Israeli domestic rifts come into the open

The Supreme Court of Israel has yet to decide on the tenure of Ronen Bar, chief of the internal security agency Shin Bet dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the leaders of the Knesset's Jewish opposition parties are already accusing the prime minister of "placing Israel in danger".

The latest twist came after Bar filed an affidavit with the Supreme Court on Monday alleging that he had been sacked because of his refusal to meet the expectations of loyalty to Netanyahu over the constitution, The Times of Israel reported.

In March, the Israeli government unanimously approved a motion to dismiss Bar from Shin Bet, citing a "lack of trust" and required Bar to vacate his post by April 10. But in a ruling on April 8, the Supreme Court gave the Israeli cabinet and attorney general's office a deadline after the Jewish Passover holiday, which ended on Sunday, to find an alternative solution. The court also said the Shin Bet chief would continue to perform his duties for now.