Politicians and members of the Shin Bet reacted with surprise at the announcement that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had appointed former naval chief V.-Adm. (res.)Eli Sharvit as the new head of Israel’s security agency.His appointment grew more iffy throughout the day.

National Unity MK Gadi Eisenkot was one of the first members of the opposition to respond, writing: “Eli is a leader and a commander with a professional and ethical backbone who has excelled in all his positions in the IDF.

“He has many years of experience, and I am convinced that he will advance the organization according to its mission and will be loyal to the State of Israel.”

IDF Maj.-Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman, who served alongside Sharvit, told Army Radio, “He’s like a plumb line – professional and meticulous. He’s someone with a mindset [that goes on the offensive] who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

“I was surprised by the appointment – the question is whether it’s right to bring someone from outside into the organization.”

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, however, told KAN’s Reshet Bet that the appointment of someone from outside theShin Bet was “puzzling.”

“Sharvit was an excellent commander, but he has no intelligence background or training,” Liberman said. “The considerations that led to his appointment, after years outside the military framework, raise many questions.”

'Immense challenge'

The Movement for Quality Government issued sharp criticism: “This is an attempt to establish facts on the ground before the essential legal discussion takes place, especially with the background of the ongoing Qatargate investigation involving the prime minister’s close associates.”

The appointment also received criticism from within the Likud; MK Tally Gotliv wrote: “Mr. prime minister, who’s whispering in your ear? What’s going on here? Are there no outstanding, brave, and experienced right-wing figures who can lead the Shin Bet?”

“With all due respect, Eli Sharvit took part in the Kaplan protests. The excuse of ‘having concern for the country’ doesn’t impress me – it tells me that Sharvit was swayed.

“We’ve had enough of people who are easily influenced and unable to think differently or outside the box.”

“There’s no doubt that Sharvit has a distinguished record, but to head the Shin Bet in these times – a very different and special kind of DNA is required,” Gotliv continued.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said, “The discussion is not about Sharvit.”

“Before replacing the head of the Shin Bet, the Shin Bet needs to finish investigating the bureau’s personnel, as well as investigate Netanyahu.”

“Sharvit should announce today that he is accepting the position but that he will not take office until the ‘Qatargate’ investigation is completed,” Lapid added.

Within the Shin Bet, Netanyahu’s choice of an outsider to lead the organization sparked concern. “This will be a real upheaval for the organization,” one source told Walla. “He doesn’t really understand intelligence,” said another.

A third source told Walla: “It’s unclear what the prime minister hopes to achieve beyond shock and disruption.”

The Democrats party head, Yair Golan, praised Sharvit, calling him a “worthy and decent individual.”

However, Golan condemned Netanyahu’s move and added that Sharvit’s “selection by a prime minister who has launched an assault on the rule of law and on democratic Israel presents him with an immense challenge.”

“Every Shin Bet chief faces pressure – but never before has one been required to stand up to a prime minister determined to dismantle democratic institutions to escape the grip of justice.”

“It’s a difficult, nearly impossible task – but it is his duty,” added Golan. “He will have to prove that his loyalty lies solely with the law and the state, not with the person who appointed him.”

Former minister Benny Gantz echoed similar thoughts, calling Sharvit “an excellent man and commander, with values and experience,” but slamming the prime minister’s decision to appoint a new Shin Bet head before the High Court of Justice decided on the firing of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

“Sharvit is an independent man who has always been guided by the interests of Israel’s security, and I have no doubt that this will continue to be the case in the future,” said Gantz.

“However, what is clear is that the prime minister decided this morning to continue his campaign against the judicial system and lead the State of Israel towards a dangerous constitutional crisis.

“The appointment of the head of the Shin Bet must be made only after a High Court decision,” Gantz said.

While not the first navy commander to be chosen to lead the Shin Bet (the previous one being Ami Ayalon), usually, the heads of the agency are deputy heads or at least originate from the IDF’s ground forces.

Social media users and Israeli journalists also commented on the surprise of Netanyahu choosing someone who took part in a Kaplan protest during the judicial reform period, which Sharvit reportedly did.