Shin Bet Chief Orders Pride Month Events Canceled Inside Agency

The head of Israel’s Shin Bet, David Zini, has ordered that no Pride Month events or activities be held this year inside the security service, according to a Tuesday night report on Channel 12. The report said Zini also canceled a lecture that had already begun to be organized within the agency.

He further barred a series of requests to use the service’s symbols or technology for Pride-related content. Those rejected requests included hanging banners and screen savers on agency computers, displaying flags in event halls, issuing dedicated stickers, and using internal distribution systems to share the material.

In addition, the Human Resources Division was instructed to move all funds set aside for the issue into the agency’s operational and general budget. Sources familiar with the security establishment said the move was a professional decision meant to refocus the organization on its original mission.

Those supporting the step argued that, amid extraordinary operational pressure and complex security challenges, there is no room for social agendas or issues unrelated to counterterrorism and state defense. They said that in a secretive, state body, employees and commanders should be judged only by professionalism and contribution to security, while personal views should remain outside the official framework to avoid internal distractions. The Shin Bet did not issue an official response.