Shin Bet chief David Zini has reportedly moved to stop LGBTQ-related activity inside the agency and refocus it on core security work. According to a Channel 12 report, Zini decided not to approve a planned LGBTQ event organized by the service, canceled invitations that had already been sent, and ordered the removal of signs or other materials that were already being prepared.
People involved in organizing the event said it was canceled by an unspecified “order from above,” without any other explanation. They said all of their requests were rejected, including placing an LGBTQ banner on a screen in the Shin Bet building, installing a screensaver on agency computers, hanging LGBTQ flags in the event hall, and using agency systems to distribute dedicated content.
The report also says Zini is working to shut down the agency’s LGBTQ cell altogether. Human Resources in the Shin Bet was instructed to move all earmarked LGBTQ funding into the general budget. The Shin Bet did not respond to the report.
