Despite Pushback: Netanyahu Names New Shin Bet Chief
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this evening (Thursday) his decision to appoint Major General David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). Zini has held numerous operational and command positions in the IDF • Read More
Zini is known to be close to Chabad Chassidim and was one of the prominent participants at this year’s central Yud Tes Kislev farbrengen held in Kfar Chabad. He attended the event as a guest of Rabbi Shimon Rabinowitz, chairman of the Kfar Chabad Committee.
Zini has held a wide range of roles in the IDF, including: fighter in Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit), commander of the 51st Battalion in the Golani Brigade, commander of the Egoz Unit, commander of the Alexandroni Brigade, founder of the Commando Brigade, and head of the Training and Instruction Command, as well as commander of the IDF Ground Forces Corps.
In Adar 5783 (March 2023), Major General Zini prepared a report for the commander of the Gaza Division, evaluating the division’s readiness for a complex surprise event – especially a sudden raid – and identifying vulnerabilities. In his conclusions, Zini wrote that nearly every sector could be vulnerable to a surprise attack.
The Prime Minister also informed Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi of his decision.
Netanyahu made the appointment despite the Attorney General informing him that he is in a conflict of interest and therefore cannot promote the appointment of a new Shin Bet head.
“The court ruled that the Prime Minister acted in a state of conflict of interest. Therefore, he must refrain from taking any action regarding the appointment of a new Shin Bet head until legal guidelines are established to ensure the integrity of the process. These guidelines will be formulated in the coming days,” stated Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
This evening, she responded to the Prime Minister’s decision and said: “The Prime Minister acted against legal advice. There is a serious concern that he acted while in a conflict of interest, and the appointment process is flawed.”
Nevertheless, members of the government welcomed the appointment. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said: “I congratulate the Prime Minister on appointing Major General David Zini as the head of the Shin Bet. General Zini is an aggressive officer and a courageous fighter. By law, the authority to appoint the Shin Bet head lies solely with the Prime Minister—and it’s good that he exercised that authority to appoint a very worthy individual.”
Justice Minister Yariv Levin added: “I commend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his brave, necessary, and vital decision to appoint Major General David Zini as the next Shin Bet chief. General Zini is the right man at the right time, and the Prime Minister’s decision finally restores proper democratic order.”
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