Smotrich Backs Shin Bet Chief Amid Pride Event Controversy

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly backed Shin Bet chief David Zini on Wednesday, after a storm over Zini’s order to cancel Pride-related events in the security service. Smotrich said Israel’s security agencies exist to protect citizens, thwart threats, and defeat enemies, and that their resources should be directed only to core security missions.

He argued that public disputes over social agendas belong in the political arena, not at the center of security bodies’ work. According to Smotrich, the Shin Bet and other security services should remain focused on their professional role and on the heavy security challenges facing Israel.

Smotrich explicitly endorsed Zini’s decision to remove what he called progressive agendas from the service. “I am backing the Shin Bet chief in his decision to remove progressive agendas from the service, and I am sure he is acting out of professional responsibility and for the security of the state,” he said.

He added that if he had known defense funds were being spent on matters not directly tied to security tasks, he would have demanded that it be stopped and that the money be redirected to its intended purpose. The statement marked the first political support for Zini in the controversy.