Asi Azar Slams Shin Bet Chief Over Cancellation of Pride Events

Television host Asi Azar attacked Shin Bet chief David Zini on Wednesday after Zini decided to cancel the agency’s Pride Month events and empty the budget of its LGBTQ cell, a move that would effectively shut it down.

In an Instagram story, Azar urged Zini to reverse what he called a “sad decision” and asked, “Are we that frightening to you?” He also addressed Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, saying he expected the openly gay former Shin Bet officer to soon make his view known publicly.

Azar stressed that the issue was not financial, saying the sums involved were negligible. He argued the decision sends a message to LGBTQ community members, especially anyone considering joining the Shin Bet, that they should “go back into the closet.”

He added, “Zini, it will not happen. We are here and we are not going anywhere.” Azar also criticized Ohana for not speaking out so far, saying that when you are “first a politician and only then a partner and father,” you align yourself with those who want to harm you, “all for the chair.”