In 2025, Ofek Riemer, Daniel Wajner, and Ehud Eiran wrote, “Populists vs. Spies in Israel and Beyond,” where they argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s relationship with Israel’s intelligence agencies could have grave consequences for Israel’s democracy. A year later, we asked them to revisit their arguments.Image: U.S. Department of State via Wikimedia Commons In your 2025 article, you argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s clashes with Israel’s internal intelligence agency, Shin Bet, is a hallmark tactic of populist leaders and could have grave long-term consequences for I
The revisiting of the 2025 article in 2026 indicates an ongoing and potentially escalating tension between political leadership and intelligence agencies, suggesting a critical juncture in their relationship.
The reshaping of intelligence agencies by political leaders in a democracy can have profound implications for national security, civil liberties, and the balance of power, impacting institutional stability.
The explicit re-evaluation of Netanyahu's influence on Israeli intelligence signifies a potential erosion of agency independence and a shift in the operational dynamics of critical national security institutions.
- · Netanyahu's political allies
- · Factions aligned with the Prime Minister's vision for intelligence
- · Independent intelligence agencies (Shin Bet, Mossad)
- · Democratic institutions in Israel
- · Intelligence professionals valuing institutional autonomy
Netanyahu consolidates greater control over Israel's intelligence apparatus, potentially altering strategic intelligence priorities and operations.
This politicization could lead to a decline in intelligence effectiveness or international trust, impacting Israel's security posture.
Long-term erosion of democratic checks and balances may foster internal dissent and instability, while also impacting international relations and alliances.
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