Legal Affairs

By Pesach Benson • October 5, 2025

Jerusalem, 5 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — After months of controversy and legal fighting, Maj. Gen. (res.) David Zini was inaugurated as head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) in Jerusalem on Sunday.

“You are beginning your term with an important national mission in a complex period with many challenges,” President Isaac Herzog told Zini. “The eyes of the entire nation are on you — we want security, peace, and tranquility in Israeli society.”

The president praised Zini’s long service and character, expressing confidence in his leadership. “You come with vast experience in security and related fields. I know your good character and your skills, and I am sure you will succeed in your mission,” Herzog said.

Zini, 58, replaces outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Bar clashed with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu over what was known before Hamas’ October 7 attack and whether it could have been prevented. Bar also claimed netanyahu’s decision to dismiss him was influenced by a conflict of interest related to the ongoing Qatargate investigation. The government argued that Bar should have resigned in March after the agency completed its internal October 7 investigation.

Bar announced his resignation in April after the government moved to oust him. As a result, the Shin Bet has been led by an interim director identified as S. since mid-June.

Zini’s appointment was delayed due to objections from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a conflict of interest regarding senior security appointments. The High Court of Justice eventually brokered a compromise allowing Netanyahu to proceed with the appointment 60 days after a previous ruling.

The 60-day delay was intended to allow the Shin Bet to complete its role in investigating the Qatargate affair and a separate probe involving leaked classified documents — both reportedly linked to Netanyahu’s close associates.

After the waiting period, Netanyahu submitted Zini’s nomination to an advisory committee, which found no ethical or professional impediment to his appointment. The government approved the decision unanimously last week.

Even so, opposition continues. On Sunday morning, a coalition of organizations and former senior officials filed another petition to the High Court against Zini’s appointment.

Reflecting the controversy, no official handover ceremony is expected at Shin Bet headquarters, and S. will continue at the Shin Bet as deputy director.

The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence service, is responsible for counterterrorism, counterintelligence, internal security, VIP protection, and cybersecurity. The only Shin Bet director ever to leave before the end of his five-year term was Carmi Gillon, who resigned in the aftermath of the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.