Who is David Zini, the next head of Shin Bet? Netanyahu's defiant spy chief pick sparks legal, ethical, military uproar

In a move that has deepened Israel’s political and legal turmoil, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday named Major General David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet, the country’s domestic intelligence agency. The surprise appointment followed a protracted and controversial clash with outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, whose dismissal had been mired in legal disputes and allegations of political interference.

 

Zini, a decorated combat officer but with no background in intelligence, was abruptly tapped by Netanyahu following a brief, informal conversation earlier this month. The appointment has led to sharp criticism from legal authorities, opposition leaders, civil society groups and senior military officials. Critics argue that the process not only flouted legal norms but also placed the Shin Bet at the centre of a growing confrontation between the prime minister and Israel’s judiciary.

 

The roots of the crisis lie in Netanyahu’s contentious decision in March to dismiss Ronen Bar, the outgoing Shin Bet chief. Bar had overseen an internal investigation into Netanyahu's aides for their ties with Qatar. Jonatan Urich, one of Netanyahu’s most trusted advisers, and Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for the PM’s office, are suspected of taking money from Doha to promote a positive image of the Gulf state in their briefings to journalists. Amid this probe, Netanyahu abruptly moved to oust him. Israel’s attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, warned at the time that the prime minister had a conflict of interest and should not appoint a successor until legal questions were resolved. Bar resigned in April, while the matter was still under review by Israel’s Supreme Court.

 

On May 22, the court issued a damning ruling, declaring that Bar’s dismissal was “tainted with many flaws” and raising concerns about its legality. Despite this, Netanyahu announced Zini’s appointment the following day, disregarding the attorney general’s directive. Baharav-Miara swiftly condemned the move, accusing Netanyahu of acting “in contravention of legal instructions” and undermining the rule of law.

 

The decision to appoint Zini bypassed standard procedures and key stakeholders. The prime minister reportedly had only a single five-minute conversation with Zini on May 8, during a military drill at the Tzeelim base. The two discussed the sensitive issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, a matter Zini had worked on during his military career. Towards the end of their conversation, Netanyahu unexpectedly raised the idea of Zini heading the Shin Bet. Zini expressed reluctance, saying he preferred to remain in uniform, but indicated he would accept if pressed.

 

Zini did not initially disclose the details of the conversation to IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. He notified Zamir’s aide that a meeting had taken place but offered no specifics. Days later, he mentioned the idea of a Shin Bet appointment in passing, giving the impression that it was not serious. It wasn’t until Netanyahu’s public announcement on May 23 that Zamir learned the decision had been made.

 

The IDF reacted with surprise and concern. Zamir summoned Zini for a meeting on 24, where he finalised the general’s retirement from military service. The army clarified that Zini was not dismissed but reiterated that military officers must seek authorisation before engaging in political discussions. The IDF expressed unease over the appointment, particularly given Zini’s lack of experience in intelligence and the opaque manner in which the decision was reached.

 

Zini, who lives in the Keshit settlement in the occupied Golan Heights, is known for his religious Zionist views. His ideological stance has previously raised eyebrows, with Netanyahu once rejecting him for the role of military secretary for being “too messianic.” His selection has prompted concerns that the Shin Bet could be politicised, undermining public trust in a body that plays a vital role in national security.

 

Former Shin Bet leaders typically rise through the ranks of the intelligence community or possess deep familiarity with counter-terrorism and strategic planning. Zini, by contrast, has never led a regional military command and lacks experience in the Shin Bet’s core areas such as surveillance, counter-espionage and covert operations. While widely respected for his bravery and leadership during the October 7 Hamas attacks, critics argue that Zini is unqualified for the complexities of leading Israel’s internal security agency.

 

Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, urged Zini not to accept the post until the Supreme Court had ruled on the matter. Civil society organisations echoed that sentiment. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel called the appointment “brazen and defiant,” accusing Netanyahu of placing personal and political interests above national integrity.

 

Adding to the controversy, Channel 12 reported that Zini had privately opposed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, allegedly describing the conflict as “an eternal war.” Families of hostages held by Hamas reacted angrily, calling such views incompatible with the responsibilities of a national security chief.

 

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close Netanyahu ally, defended the move, calling it a “courageous, necessary and crucial decision” to restore democratic governance. Yet critics argue the opposite. Legal experts warn that Netanyahu’s actions are edging Israel towards a constitutional crisis, especially as the committee responsible for approving senior appointments remains inoperative due to vacant seats. In the absence of the committee, Zini’s nomination could face significant delays.

 

Instead of making a unilateral decision, Netanyahu could have allowed his cabinet to lead the appointment. By bypassing institutional checks and balances, he has added to the fears of executive overreach.

 

Even if Zini’s appointment finally goes through, he would begin his tenure under a cloud of legal challenges and public mistrust. Moreover, it will compromise his ability to work with the attorney general and the prosecution, which is essential in the functioning of the Shin Bet.

 

The latest controversy also reflects the broader crisis threatening Israel’s democratic institutions. As Netanyahu faces serious legal challenges, public opposition and political pressure, he appears to be consolidating more power, even disregarding losing public faith in the rule of law.

 

Zini now finds himself caught in a storm not of his making. Though lauded as a courageous field commander, his lack of intelligence credentials and the irregular manner of his appointment threaten to overshadow his service. 

Middle East