Israeli High-Tech Headquarters warns it will shut down economy if gov't defies High Court ruling in firing of Shin Bet chief

The Israeli High-Tech Headquarters, which represents dozens of large tech companies and venture capital funds, warned on Friday that it would close down the country’s economy if the government defied the High Court’s decision on the fate of the Shin Bet intelligence head Ronen Bar, who was recently fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

"If the government decides to lead Israel with open eyes into a constitutional crisis, we will shut down the companies and launch a public struggle together with all the strength of Israeli society," Israeli High-Tech Headquarters said in an official statement. 

"We call on [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to stop a moment before falling into the abyss," the advocacy group stated.

"A violation of a High Court order or any court ruling is a red line from which there is no return. Such a breach would turn Israel into a third-world country, driving away foreign investors," the tech coalition warned. 

The Presidium of the Israeli Business Sector called on the government to "uphold the rules of law and respect court rulings.

"In a democratic state, the law binds all entities – citizens, businesses, and the government alike. Non-compliance with judicial decisions sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine economic and social stability,” it argued. 

"We warn that any attempt to challenge the rule of law may cause significant harm to the Israeli economy and urge the government to act responsibly."

On Friday, the Israeli cabinet voted to fire the intelligence chief Bar due to “lack of trust.”

The High Court in Jerusalem responded by issuing a temporary injunction against the government’s controversial decision. Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest Bar's dismissal.

Arnon Bar David, who heads the Histadrut, Israel’s largest trade union, warned on Friday of "anarchy under government auspices.” He echoed the position that refusing to follow the High Court’s ruling constitutes a “red line.” Bar David vowed that he would not "sit quietly while the State of Israel is being dismantled."

The political opposition also condemned the government’s decision to fire the intelligence chief. The opposition parties Yesh Atid, National Unity, Yisrael Beytenu, and The Democrats all backed the Supreme Court’s injunction against the government’s decision to fire Bar. 

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who leads Yesh Atid, argued that the government’s decision was issued under a severe conflict of interest. 

"This is a decision made under a severe conflict of interest by the prime minister, based on extraneous considerations related to Shin Bet investigations in the Prime Minister's Office and the recently published Shin Bet position stating that the political leadership bears responsibility for the disaster of October 7," Lapid wrote on the social media platform 𝕏. 

Some 40 heads of local authorities criticized Netanyahu in a joint letter. 

"We, the undersigned heads of municipalities, regional councils, and local councils, call on the Prime Minister to immediately declare that the Government of Israel will uphold the High Court's decision," the letter stated. "We, the heads of the local authorities, will stand in every case alongside the law and the court in the State of Israel."

Earlier this month, Bar indicated that he would resign, but only after securing the return of the remaining hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. 

"As soon as I see this happening, I will want to pass the baton to one of my two excellent deputies," Bar stated.