Cabinet Appoints Zini as Shin Bet Head Following Dispute

In a high-stakes decision surrounded by political and legal controversy, Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini was officially appointed as the next chief of Israel’s Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) during Tuesday evening’s cabinet meeting. Zini will take office on October 5 for a five-year term, replacing former chief Ronen Bar, who resigned in April.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, returning from a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, opened the cabinet session by praising Zini as “the right man to lead the Shin Bet,” emphasizing his deep military experience and capacity for unconventional thinking. “His success is vital to the security of all Israeli citizens,” Netanyahu declared.

The appointment, however, did not come without controversy. Critics had questioned whether Netanyahu currently facing scrutiny in the “Qatargate” investigation probing Qatari influence over his close associates should be involved in selecting the next head of Israel’s domestic intelligence service.

Despite the Attorney General’s recommendation that Netanyahu recuse himself from the appointment process due to a possible conflict of interest, the prime minister proceeded with the nomination in May. The move sparked multiple petitions to the High Court of Justice.

Last week, the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee gave the green light, stating that “no integrity issue” disqualified Netanyahu from proposing Zini and that “no disqualifying concern was found in his candidacy.”

Zini, who comes from a rich combat background, began his military career in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit in 1992. He later rose through the ranks of the Paratroopers Brigade, the Golani Brigade, and the Egoz commando unit, playing key roles in the Second Lebanon War (2006), Operation Cast Lead (2008–09), and Operation Protective Edge (2014), including during the intense fighting in Shejaia.

In 2015, Zini formed and led the Oz Brigade (Commandos Brigade), further solidifying his credentials in Israel’s special operations sphere. While his later career was more focused on training and reservist management than major field commands, Netanyahu defended the choice as deliberate. He said he wanted someone “outside the agency” to bring fresh thinking after the intelligence failures tied to October 7.

The appointment is both a strategic gamble and a political message. Zini's lack of direct Shin Bet experience is viewed by some as a strength a sign he might challenge entrenched norms. Others, particularly critics of Netanyahu’s handling of wartime intelligence, see the move as politically fraught at a time when public trust in national leadership is under pressure.

As Israel continues to face complex threats both internally and across its borders, the next Shin Bet chief will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security and potentially, in reshaping its internal intelligence doctrine.

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