Why David Zini Is Exactly What Israel Needs Right Now

Nearly 600 days have passed since October 7, 2023, when Israel’s illusions of calm were shattered in a brutal terrorist attack. The promises of generals and the political strategies of leaders like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whether funneling cash to adversaries or expanding worker quotas, crumbled in rivers of blood.

That day exposed the failures of conformity and complacency, revealing the urgent need for bold, unconventional leadership. Enter David Zini, the newly appointed Shin Bet chief, whose courage and defiance of the status quo make him the galloping horse Israel desperately needs.

A Hero Forged in Crisis

Unlike the generals who lecture from studios or the politicians mired in old tactics, David Zini is a man of action. On that fateful October 7, while senior officers were paralyzed by shock, Zini, then a major general, charged into the fray at the Black Arrow Monument, engaging and eliminating terrorists. As others scrambled to interpret the chaos, Zini was in the field, defending the nation. This single moment, captured on video, crystallizes his resolve, a leader who doesn’t wait for orders but acts decisively to protect Israel.

Zini’s appointment as Shin Bet chief has sparked debate (as everything seems to do these days, if I'm being honest), with critics arguing he lacks the “right” credentials or isn’t part of the elite military clique. They claim he’s too aligned with Netanyahu or doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a General Staff officer. But these criticisms miss the point.

Breaking the Mold

David Zini defies the stereotype of the polished, predictable general. A religious man with a large kippah, father of 11, and resident of the Golan Heights, he embodies a different kind of Israeli leadership. His daughter’s marriage to the son of a rabbi from the Eli pre-military academy and his wife’s book, Building Revival: Conversations for the Woman of Valor in Wartime, reflect a deep-rooted commitment to faith and resilience.

These personal choices have made him a target for detractors, particularly those who failed on October 7 yet refuse to acknowledge their shortcomings. But Zini’s unconventional profile, far from disqualifying him, positions him as a leader unbound by the groupthink that led to disaster.

The old guard’s insistence on “appropriate” credentials ignores Zini’s proven track record. His decades of command experience, coupled with his willingness to challenge outdated strategies, equip him to reform the Shin Bet. While he may need to bolster his intelligence expertise, his ability to think beyond the failures of October 7, unlike the conformist elite, offers a path to recovery for an agency shaken by that day’s lapses.

A Wake-Up Call for Israel

October 7 was a brutal wake-up call, exposing the folly of relying on generals who parrot the same tired mantras or politicians who prioritize short-term calm over long-term security. The destruction in places like Kibbutz Be’eri, where lives and homes were obliterated, demanded a reckoning. Yet, a year and a half later, Israel risks slipping back into the trap of following the same arrogant leaders who failed us. Zini’s appointment breaks this cycle, signaling a shift toward leaders who act with urgency and independence.

The naysayers, generals in studios, politicians smearing opponents, and an elitist establishment, have tried to discredit Zini, labeling him unfit or politically motivated. But their attacks only point to their fear of change. Israel needs “galloping horses” like Zini, not more of the same cautious, predictable figures who led us to October 7. His courage in the face of terror, his rejection of conformity, and his vision for a stronger Shin Bet make him a welcome change.

A Call for More Zinis

David Zini’s appointment is more than a personnel change; it’s a challenge to Israel’s leadership culture. The politicians and generals who steered the nation into catastrophe must step aside for those who can lead with boldness and clarity. Zini’s story, of charging into battle when others hesitated, should inspire a new generation of leaders. His lack of ties to the old guard, far from a weakness, is a strength that allows him to forge a new path.

As Israel navigates ongoing threats and the scars of October 7, it needs leaders who prioritize action over rhetoric, courage over caution. David Zini, with his proven heroism and defiance of the status quo, is exactly the kind of leader to guide the Shin Bet, and the nation, toward a safer future.

May we see many more like him, galloping forward to secure Israel’s tomorrow.

Source: Adapted from Hanan Greenwood’s article, Israel Hayom, May 26, 2025.