Supreme Court President's Remarks on Shin Bet Chief Appointment Spark Controversy

Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit has again expressed reservations about the appointment of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet, suggesting Zini reconsider his stance on revealing the identities of those who petitioned against his appointment. Amit stated, "The head of the service would do well to reconsider his position, it is not certain that it is doing him good." Prime Minister Netanyahu announced Zini's appointment in May 2025, with the government approving it four months later. The appointment faced multiple petitions, including one from former Shin Bet chiefs and 186 former employees, who argued Zini lacked the necessary experience and qualifications, and that the appointment was politically motivated and a gamble with national security. Justice Noam Sohlberg ruled that Zini was entitled to see the list of petitioners, stating anonymity was not permissible for such serious claims. Some petitioners withdrew their cases fearing repercussions after Zini demanded their identities. Zini also threatened to file a motion against former Shin Bet chiefs who petitioned while concealing other petitioners' names, accusing them of contempt of court. Justice Amit previously dismissed a document attached to a petition as non-confidential, suggesting sensitive parts be redacted. Ultimately, the petitions against Zini's appointment were rejected by the Supreme Court, with Justices Mintz and Sohlberg approving the appointment. However, Justice Amit maintained his dissenting opinion, arguing the appointment lacked a full review of the appointing official's integrity by the advisory committee. MK Moshe Saada criticized Justice Amit's actions, suggesting he was deliberately delaying the appointment, while others defended Zini's right to know who was challenging his integrity.