David Zini

Former Shin Bet commander refuses to appear for October 7 audit with State Comptroller

The IDF and Shin Bet have insisted that only a full state commission of inquiry has the legal authority to examine sensitive operational decisions.

Shin Bet Director David Zini with IDF chief Eyal Zamir at a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025
 Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024

Shin Bet chief's Zini under scrutiny: Petitioners argue ‘unreasonableness’ of PM's recommendation

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir talks with residents of Carmit, southern Israel, November 17, 2025.

WATCH: Retamim residents fear for safety after heavy gunfire from nearby Bedouin village

 A woman's shadow is seen over the Mossad logo (illustrative)

Lead candidate 'A' for taking over Mossad also has some agency support, 'Post' learns


Israel's Shin Bet thwarts imminent attacks from West Bank, 40 Bethlehem terrorists arrested

The Shin Bet said it arrested around 40 Palestinian terrorists from Bethlehem in a major bust that thwarted imminent attacks, marking the first large-scale operation under new chief David Zini.

Israeli security forces operate after settlers torched the Al-Hajj Hamida Mosque in the West Bank, November 13, 2025

'No basis' for judicial intervention in Shin Bet chief pick, A-G Baharv-Miara argues

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara formally told the High Court there are “no grounds for judicial intervention” in David Zini's appointment as Shin Bet director, citing a lawful process.

Shin Bet Director David Zini with IDF chief Eyal Zamir at a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025

Shin Bet chief Zini to High Court: Legal challenge against me an effort to 'police opinions'

Zini’s appointment has drawn unusually sharp criticism from within the intelligence community itself. Three former Shin Bet directors joined a petition urging the overturning of the nomination.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

'A fighter with ability to think outside the box’: Netanyahu praises new Shin Bet chief Zini

Netanyahu welcomed new Shin Bet head Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini, praising his leadership and reaffirming Israel’s independent security policy amid controversy over the appointment.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Far Left MK Ofer Cassif calls new Shin Bet chief Zini a 'dangerous jihadist'

Far Left MK Ofer Cassif called new Shin Bet chief Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini a “dangerous jihadist” who seeks “eternal war."

MK Ofer Cassif speaks during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, November 11, 2024.

High Court to hold hearing on Shin Bet appointment next month 

The case will be heard before Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit, Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg and Justice David Mintz.

Israel's High Court of Justice

Netanyahu holds first working meeting with new Shin Bet chief David Zini

At an earlier meeting with Herzog, Zini spoke about being loyal first to the state, implying that this obligation was a higher priority even than honoring all orders of the prime minister.

Shin Bet director David Zini attends a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, October 5, 2025

Three ex-Shin Bet chiefs to High Court: Cancel Netanyahu's appointment of David Zini

Multiple government officials oppose Netanyahu's appointment of Zini.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

High Court of Justice rejects requests to delay Zini’s appointment as Shin Bet chief

This decision came following the government's unanimous approval of Zini's appointment, headed by PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Cabinet appoints Zini as next Shin Bet chief following controversy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated the controversial candidate in May.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Criticism of new Shin Bet chief David Zini is more about Netanyahu - analysis

Maj.-Gen. David Zini’s nomination as Shin Bet chief has sparked debate, with critics arguing concerns focus more on Netanyahu’s motives than Zini’s record.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.