Israelis have been demonstrating against the action, which many see as part of an effort to reduce checks on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government.

Israel’s cabinet is set to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to fire the country’s domestic intelligence chief late on Thursday, defying thousands of protesters rallying against his removal and those of other security and judicial officials.

The Israeli government approved early on Friday a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the country's domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet. "The government unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to end ISA director Ronen Bar's term of office,