Israeli Legal Advisor Probes Shin Bet Appointments Ahead of Elections

The Israeli government's Legal Advisor, Gali Baharav-Miara, is examining the immediate necessity of several appointments within the Shin Bet's leadership, decided by its head, David Zini, less than three weeks before elections. This review is prompted by restrictions on appointing senior officials during election periods to avoid predetermining the next government's options. The appointments, which include positions equivalent to brigadier general and major general in the IDF, require the Prime Minister's approval in some cases. According to reports, Zini intends to appoint a brigadier general from the army, lacking prior experience in intelligence or counter-terrorism, to head a Shin Bet division responsible for Arab citizens in Israel. This specific appointment has reportedly drawn sharp criticism within the agency. Zini also plans a broader round of appointments for division heads, equivalent to major general rank, and promotions for two officials without immediate new posts. Baharav-Miara's review seeks to determine if these appointments are urgently needed or can be postponed until after the elections, aligning with her prior directives to exercise caution with senior appointments during election transitions. The Shin Bet stated that the appointments were part of a pre-scheduled round, conducted legally and professionally based on candidate qualifications and experience. Baharav-Miara's instructions, following the Knesset's dissolution, emphasize avoiding decisions that could bind a future government, though not imposing an absolute ban on appointments. Each appointment must be assessed based on its specific circumstances, balancing institutional needs with electoral period constraints, focusing on objective professional criteria and the necessity of the timing.