Shin Bet Chief Receives Secret List of Opponents After Legal Battle

Shin Bet Director David Zini has received the full list of names of former agency employees who opposed his appointment, concluding a months-long legal struggle. Initially, dozens of petitioners refused to reveal their identities, appearing in court proceedings using only initials. Zini insisted on knowing who was legally challenging him from within the agency and refused compromise offers from the Supreme Court justices.

The dispute began after the government appointed Zini as Shin Bet chief on October 5, 2025. Seven petitions were filed against the appointment, including one from former Shin Bet chiefs Nadav Argaman, Ami Ayalon, and Carmi Gillon, along with 186 former employees. A key point of contention arose when some petitioners opted to use only initials, citing the sensitive nature of their past roles. Zini, as the respondent and current head of the agency, demanded their full names.

Deputy President of the Supreme Court Noam Sohlberg ruled that a petition to the court cannot be signed anonymously. Despite this, the justices, including President Yitzhak Amit and Sohlberg, attempted to mediate, suggesting Zini withdraw his demand to foster internal reconciliation. However, Zini stood firm.

In late April, Zini escalated the matter by filing a motion for contempt of court, alleging the petitioners were violating a court order. By this stage, 119 petitioners had identified themselves, but 67 former Shin Bet personnel remained anonymous. The Supreme Court convened another hearing, with Amit and Sohlberg again urging Zini to reconsider. Zini maintained his position.

On September 3, the Supreme Court, comprising President Amit, Deputy President Sohlberg, and Justice David Mintz, ruled that since Zini was exercising his legal right to know who was petitioning against him, the remaining 67 petitioners must disclose their full names within seven days. The court did not rule that their previous anonymity constituted contempt, but established a clear directive for future cases. The disclosure is personal to Zini and does not permit public publication of the names.