Knesset Member Gottlieb Slams Shin Bet Chief Over West Bank Conduct

Member of Knesset Tally Gottlieb launched a sharp attack on Shin Bet chief David Zini on Monday, criticizing the agency's conduct in the West Bank and a statement attributed to him regarding Minister Orit Struk. Gottlieb expressed sympathy for Zini, suggesting that only a personal threat of severe legal consequences, like his own brother facing arrest and a lengthy prison sentence, would compel her to act similarly. However, she stated that as Shin Bet chief, if he felt "held by the throat," he should "be brave enough to resign."

Gottlieb also accused the Shin Bet of failing to condemn Arab terrorism in the West Bank, while remaining silent on what she termed "horrific criminal behavior" by left-wing anarchists against settlers and soldiers. She referenced a confrontation between Zini and Minister Struk in the cabinet, where Zini reportedly called Struk "disconnected" for demanding recognition of Arab terrorism, a remark Gottlieb likened to "dark days before the October inferno."

Gottlieb recalled her past support for Zini's appointment, citing his role in exposing a "criminal" military prosecutor as proof of his commitment. However, she claimed that in recent months, the Shin Bet has shifted focus to promoting a "false campaign" about violence by Jewish settlers, which she believes harms Israel's international standing, questioning "What happened to you?"