BREAKING: Netanyahu Appoints Maj. Gen. David Zini as New Shin Bet Chief, Defying Legal Warnings

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the appointment of Major General (Res.) David Zini as the next head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, a move stirring political and legal controversy just hours after being made public. The appointment is particularly notable as Zini is an external candidate a first since Ami Ayalon’s appointment in 1996.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Maj. Gen. Zini brings extensive operational and command experience from his distinguished IDF career. His roles have included serving as a fighter in Sayeret Matkal, commanding officer of the Golani Brigade’s Battalion 51, commander of the elite Egoz Unit, head of the Alexandroni Brigade, founder of the IDF Commando Brigade, head of the Training and Instruction Command, and commander of the General Staff Corps.

In March 2023, Zini submitted a critical report to the Gaza Division commander, assessing the unit’s preparedness for a surprise and complex event, particularly focusing on the vulnerabilities that could allow for a sudden raid by enemy forces. “In almost every sector, a surprise raid against our forces is possible,” Zini concluded in the report, foreshadowing concerns that would become all too relevant following the October 7 Hamas attack.

However, the timing of the appointment has sparked fierce debate. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara recently advised Netanyahu to delay any appointments to senior security positions following a High Court ruling that declared he acted under a conflict of interest when firing outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The ruling stems from the "Qatargate" affair and raises questions about Netanyahu's eligibility to make such decisions without first resolving his legal entanglements.

Despite the Attorney General's explicit recommendation to wait a few days and resolve the issue of conflict of interest, Netanyahu moved forward with Zini’s appointment. This defiance has already triggered criticism across the political spectrum.

Journalist Amichai Stein noted that Zini is the first external nominee for the Shin Bet since 1996, signaling a significant departure from the norm. Channel 12’s Dafna Liel reported that the Attorney General requested a delay in order to address Netanyahu’s potential conflict of interest.

With the legal cloud still looming, the appointment is expected to be challenged, potentially escalating tensions between the executive branch and Israel’s judicial institutions. For now, Netanyahu’s decision stands, and David Zini is set to take the reins of one of Israel’s most critical security agencies.