Shin Bet Chief Clashes With Minister Over Palestinian vs. Settler Violence

A heated exchange occurred in Israel's Ministerial Security Cabinet on Sunday between the Head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, and the Minister of Settlement Affairs, Orit Strock, amidst a surge in Palestinian terror attacks in the West Bank. Strock expressed outrage over what she perceived as an attempt to equate Palestinian attackers with Israeli settlers, arguing that settlers were being unfairly portrayed as the sole problem.

Strock stated that Palestinian attacks on shepherds, which endanger their lives, were not being adequately highlighted. In response, Zini told Strock, "Palestinians are not burning Jewish homes here. You are disconnected. We need to see condemnations and denunciations from all leadership. This harms settlement and harms security." He implied that settlers were not engaging in the same level of arson against Palestinians.

Strock countered that the entire settlement leadership opposes such violence and that she herself was explaining this to youth. Zini pressed her on where she was condemning, and she replied, "Everywhere. Just listen."

Zini's remarks drew sharp criticism from some lawmakers. Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb accused Zini of being too lenient on Palestinian terror and too harsh on settlers, suggesting he was "disconnected" and should resign if he couldn't handle the pressure. She also criticized his perceived silence regarding alleged actions by left-wing activists against settlers and soldiers.

Member of Knesset Limor Son Har Melech shared images of fires in the settlement of Havat Gilad, asserting that Arabs do set fires and torch settlements. She warned Zini not to fall into a trap set by an "anti-Jewish department" within the Shin Bet, urging him to focus on threats from Palestinian security forces and potential "reversal of barrels" scenarios rather than settlers.

Conversely, Member of Knesset Avi Maoz defended Zini, rejecting Gottlieb's call for his resignation. While Maoz expressed criticism of Zini for not yet closing the Shin Bet's Jewish department, he stated he had full confidence in Zini's dedication to Israel's security.