In Defiance of High Court Ruling: PM Netanyahu Announces New Shin Bet Chief – Major General David Zini

Just one day after the Israeli High Court of Justice ruled that the dismissal of Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar was unlawful — and the Attorney General declared that the Prime Minister is not authorized to appoint a replacement — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved forward regardless, announcing the appointment of a new head of the Shin Bet.

In a dramatic shift from precedent, the new appointee does not come from within the ranks of the Shin Bet, but from the upper echelons of the IDF.

The man chosen: Major General David Zini, a seasoned warrior from the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, who has held a long line of senior operational and command roles — including commander of Battalion 51 in the Golani Brigade, commander of the Egoz Unit, head of the Alexandroni Brigade, founder of the IDF Commando Brigade, commander of the IDF’s Training and Instruction Division, and most recently, commander of the General Staff Corps.

In March 2023, Maj. Gen. Zini authored a classified report for the Commander of the Gaza Division, warning of significant gaps in the IDF’s preparedness for a surprise assault — with a pointed emphasis on the scenario of a sudden raid — and identifying critical vulnerabilities.

I24-Hebrew reports that IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, was informed just a few minutes before the announcement but was not involved in the decision-making process. Netanyahu did not consult with him.

The newly appointed head of the Shin Bet, Major General David Zini, participated this year in the traditional Yud-Tes Kislev farbreingen in Kfar Chabad.

Zini is reportedly closely connected to the Cahreidi community in Israel, working toward agreements and dialogue with its leaders on the IDF draft law, and is among the founders of the Frum “Hasmonean” brigade in the IDF.

Legal officials have described Netanyahu’s move as a direct challenge to the authority of the High Court, warning that if the appointment proceeds, it could trigger a severe constitutional crisis.