Zini Warned of Hamas Attack Six Months Before October 7; Now Tapped to Lead Shin Bet

On Friday, May 23, 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Major General David Zini, recently nominated to lead Israel’s Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), had issued a stark warning about the Israeli military’s unpreparedness for a surprise attack from Gaza six months before the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. Zini’s prescient assessment, conducted in March 2023 at the request of the Gaza Division commander, identified critical vulnerabilities in the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) readiness, particularly against surprise raids. His nomination, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite ongoing legal challenges related to the Qatar-Gate investigation, was partly justified by this early warning, highlighting his foresight into the catastrophic scenario that unfolded.

In a classified report, partially declassified with Netanyahu’s approval, Zini wrote, “In almost every sector, a surprise raid could be executed against our forces, undermining the concept of ‘surprised but not defeated.’ There are numerous ways to carry out such an attack during routine times. In my view, an above-ground attack represents the most plausible and accessible option.” He criticized the IDF’s failure to internalize the threat, stating, “The concept of a surprise scenario is not clearly imagined or internalized by our forces. As a result, operational readiness is seriously lacking.” Zini further noted a critical deficiency in situational awareness, warning, “The main deficiency lies in the situational awareness of both the troops and the wider defense system.”

The October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage, exposed the very weaknesses Zini had highlighted, as Hamas executed a coordinated above-ground assault that overwhelmed unprepared defenses. Despite his warnings, no significant measures were implemented to address the identified gaps.

Zini’s nomination, announced on May 22, 2025, has sparked controversy due to a Supreme Court and Attorney General directive barring Netanyahu from making such appointments amid the Qatar-Gate probe, which investigates alleged financial misconduct. The Prime Minister’s Office defended Zini’s appointment, emphasizing his proven judgment and the urgent need for experienced leadership to bolster Israel’s security in the face of ongoing threats from Hamas and other regional actors.