## Notes from 06 June 2025 [[2025-06-05|← Previous note]] ┃ [[2025-06-07|Next note →]] I recently read about another episode that illustrates the ongoing erosion of democratic institutional norms in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [dismissed](https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408866) six out of ten members of the advisory committee that oversees senior civil service appointments, including the position of Shin Bet chief. These members had been appointed during the previous Bennett–Lapid administration (a centrist coalition). Netanyahu’s move came amid his attempt to install David Zini as the new Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security service) head, despite a Supreme Court injunction and objections from the Attorney General. By law, appointments to the committee require consultation with the attorney general and the civil service commissioner—procedures the prime minister appears to have sidestepped. This episode follows a related legal case involving the appointment of the Civil Service Commissioner. The Supreme Court struck down a government attempt to fill the role through a politicized process, affirming that appointments must follow professional and competitive standards. The legal action was brought by the [[Good Government Organizations#Movement for Quality Government (MQG)|Movement for Quality Government in Israel]], which has positioned itself as a watchdog for state accountability.