Israel's cabinet voted on Tuesday night to approve David Zini as Shin Bet chief despite controversy surrounding his selection to lead the internal security agency. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the choice by stating that the situation after Hamas's attack on Oct. 7, 2023, required a new security chief from outside the organization. Zini brings decades of military experience as a former IDF general, but he faces criticism for his self-described messianic views, and reports suggest several Shin Bet officials threatened to resign over his appointment.
The Attorney General's Office filed a legal position paper on Tuesday requiring Zini to consult the agency's legal adviser before handling matters connected to Netanyahu's personal or political concerns. Democrats alliance chairman Yair Golan pledged to remove Zini if elected, arguing that extraneous considerations tainted his candidacy. President Isaac Herzog congratulated Zini after the vote, and the new chief will begin his five-year term on Oct. 5.
The Attorney General's Office filed a legal position paper on Tuesday requiring Zini to consult the agency's legal adviser before handling matters connected to Netanyahu's personal or political concerns. Democrats alliance chairman Yair Golan pledged to remove Zini if elected, arguing that extraneous considerations tainted his candidacy. President Isaac Herzog congratulated Zini after the vote, and the new chief will begin his five-year term on Oct. 5.
