Netanyahu Appoints Maj. Gen. David Zini as New Shin Bet Director

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday evening his intention to appoint Maj. Gen. David Zini as the new director of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service.

Zini brings decades of elite military experience to the role. A former fighter in the IDF’s General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, Zini has held multiple high-profile command positions, including head of Battalion 51 of the Golani Brigade, commander of the Egoz reconnaissance unit, the Alexandroni Brigade, and the Training Command. He is also the founding commander of Israel’s renowned Commando Brigade.

In March 2023, Zini authored a critical assessment for the IDF’s Gaza Division, warning of vulnerabilities in Israel’s southern defenses. His report emphasized the potential for surprise raids across much of the Gaza sector an insight that has gained renewed relevance since the October 7 Hamas attack.

Zini’s deep operational knowledge and foresight have earned him recognition across the defense establishment, and his appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Israel’s internal security infrastructure amid ongoing regional threats.

A proud Israeli with deep roots in Jewish tradition, Zini is the son of a rabbi in Ashdod and hails from a distinguished family of Algerian rabbinic lineage. He is also a father of 11, balancing military duty with a life deeply grounded in family and faith.

His appointment to lead the Shin Bet comes at a time when Israel is navigating unprecedented internal and external challenges. With threats from terror networks, foreign influence, and rising antisemitism abroad, Zini is expected to bring both tactical acumen and moral clarity to the nation’s defense.

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