Coalition and opposition figures issued mixed responses Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s naming of Vice Adm. (res.) Eli Sharvit as the next Shin Bet chief, with supporters lauding Sharvit’s character and critics slamming both his politics and the timing of the announcement.

After interviewing seven candidates for the position, Netanyahu chose Sharvit, who will replace the head of the organization, Ronen Bar, pending a ruling by the Supreme Court over his dismissal

If Sharvit does not get the job, it will not be the first time that participation in an anti-judicial reform demonstration hurt a rising career trajectory in a position near the prime minister.