In a bold and welcomed move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the appointment of Maj.-Gen. David Zini as the next director of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), replacing outgoing director Ronen Bar, who will step down on June 15.
Zini brings with him a stellar record of service, deep loyalty to the State of Israel, and a clear-eyed understanding of the security threats the country faces. A decorated combat veteran and strategic thinker, Zini has served in numerous elite IDF combat unit imaginable: as a fighter in the Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit), commander of Golani’s Battalion 51, the Egoz Unit, the Alexandroni Brigade, founder of the elite Commando Brigade, and head of both the IDF’s Training Command and General Staff Corps.
His experience is not merely tactical—it is strategic.
In March 2023, Zini authored a critical report for the head of the Gaza Division, warning that “in almost the entire sector, it would be possible to carry out surprise raids against our forces.” His blunt assessment—largely ignored by the current security echelon—demonstrates his clear understanding of the threats posed by Hamas and other terror factions, as well as his foresight in identifying vulnerabilities and the “conceptzia” regarding the Gaza security fence.
Zini, a resident of Keshet in the Golan, is a father of 11 and son of a respected rabbi in Ashdod, hails from a family of rabbis of Algerian descent.
He studied at Morasha Talmud Torah, Hispin Yeshiva High School, Shavei Hebron Yeshiva, and the Keshet Yehuda Pre-Military Academy, per Wikipedia.
Unsurprisingly, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara rushed to criticize the appointment, claiming a supposed “conflict of interest” on the part of Netanyahu, which she would do, regardless of whomever Netanyahu would select. Her objections appear politically motivated, especially given her reported personal friendship with current director Ronen Bar and others in the Shin Bet—a clear conflict of interest in its own right. Sources close to the Prime Minister point out three key facts:
– The Attorney General herself is compromised due to her ties to Bar.
– The Qatar investigation has nothing to do with the Prime Minister and should not impact this appointment.
– Netanyahu followed the law precisely in making this appointment.
Others on the Left also quickly criticized the selection, which makes one wonder, if they have a problem with someone as qualified as Zini, is it that they simply can’t accept anyone who wasn’t part of their inner circle of leftwingers?
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Zini to not accept the offer until the Supreme Court rules on the matter.
Despite the attempts of unelected bureaucrats to interfere in matters of national security, the Prime Minister stood firm in exercising his rightful authority. The selection of David Zini signals a return to security-first leadership, independent thinking, clear-eyed experience, and it doesn’t hurt that Zini is also grounded in solid Jewish values.
For those reasons alone, expect a fight.
