Likud MK Tali Gottlieb Calls for Shin Bet Chief's Resignation

Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb of the Likud party has called for the resignation of Shin Bet Director David Zini, accusing his agency of prioritizing the pursuit of settlers over Palestinian terrorists. The demand stems from a dispute over violence in Judea and Samaria that erupted during a recent meeting of the security cabinet.

During the cabinet session, Gottlieb stated that security forces were not adequately addressing Palestinian attacks against Jewish settlers and shepherds. In response, Zini reportedly retorted, "Palestinians are not burning Jewish homes here. You are detached from reality," and urged settlement leaders to publicly condemn violence perpetrated by Jews.

Following media reports of the cabinet dispute, Gottlieb posted on social media platform X, suggesting that "forces" were holding Zini "by the throat" by arresting his brother, Bezalel Zini. Bezalel Zini is reportedly suspected in a contraband smuggling case involving goods to Gaza, even during the recent conflict.

Gottlieb expressed empathy for David Zini, writing, "My heart is with you. Perhaps if, God forbid, my brother were arrested, charged, and facing a long prison sentence, I too would be willing to cross lines and completely change my position for his sake. But with all due respect, you are the head of the Shin Bet, and if they managed to hold you by the throat, be brave enough and resign."

She further criticized Zini for his perceived lack of condemnation of "Arab terror" in Judea and Samaria and his "deafening silence" regarding the actions of "leftist anarchists" against settlers and soldiers in the region.