Israel's Attorney General to Review Shin Bet Appointments Amid Election Concerns

Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, will examine the necessity of senior appointments planned by Shin Bet chief David Zin within the organization. The decision to conduct this review stems from a directive by the Attorney General's office, which advises restraint in decision-making and senior appointments during election periods to avoid predetermining outcomes for the incoming government. The appointments in question are at a rank equivalent to brigadier general and major general in the IDF, prompting scrutiny over their immediate necessity.

This review follows a report that Zin intends to appoint a brigadier general from the IDF, who reportedly lacks experience in counter-terrorism or intelligence, to head an intelligence division responsible for countering terrorism related to Arab citizens of Israel. This potential appointment has allegedly drawn sharp criticism within the Shin Bet. Zin's decision to proceed with a round of appointments for division heads, equivalent to major generals, comes less than three weeks before the elections. Reports also suggest two individuals may receive a promotion without a specific role.

The Shin Bet stated in response that the appointments are part of a pre-scheduled rotation based on tenure lengths and were conducted legally through a professional and orderly process, considering each candidate's qualifications and relevant experience. The organization also noted that the appointments were made in accordance with the law and professional standards.

Following the Knesset's dissolution, Attorney General Baharav-Miara issued guidelines to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers on managing their offices and making appointments during the interim period until the elections. These guidelines, informed by Supreme Court rulings, generally advocate avoiding public appointments during elections. However, Baharav-Miara has previously clarified that this is a starting point for evaluation based on specific circumstances, and there is no absolute prohibition on appointments, even senior ones, during an election period. Decisions are made based on established professional criteria, not specific election cycles, and are assessed through a structured process balancing the necessity of the governmental action against the principles of election law. The Attorney General emphasized that such decisions are based solely on facts and applicable law, free from external influences and based on objective considerations.