Shin Bet Chief's Appointments Spark Internal Criticism and Legal Review

Shin Bet Director David Zini has decided on a series of appointments for heads of departments within the organization, equivalent in rank to IDF major generals. According to N12, one of Zini's appointments is drawing criticism from within the organization. A brigadier general from the IDF, who senior Shin Bet officials claim lacks prior experience in intelligence or special units, has been appointed to a role that includes counter-terrorism efforts among Arab citizens of Israel. This sensitive position requires deep familiarity with Israel's Arab population and its challenges.

The appointment of an officer from the IDF without prior intelligence or special unit experience has generated significant criticism and anger among some within the Shin Bet. One senior official stated, "It's like taking a Shin Bet coordinator and putting him in charge of an armored division." Beyond the appointment itself, the timing has also raised questions internally, with some Shin Bet sources suggesting it may be linked to the upcoming elections. They believe that appointments at this level require the Prime Minister's approval, and the swiftness of these moves shortly before the elections raises concerns about an attempt to finalize them before the vote.

According to Ynet, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara will examine the necessity of the appointments Zini intends to make to the organization's senior ranks. This decision follows guidance from the Attorney General's office, which advises exercising restraint in decision-making and senior appointments during election campaigns to avoid imposing situations on the incoming government. Given that the expected appointments are at ranks equivalent to major generals and brigadier generals in the IDF, their immediate necessity will be reviewed. This aligns with statements from senior Shin Bet officials who suggest the timing of the appointments is connected to the elections, aiming to expedite them.

David Zini, the 15th head of the General Security Service, is a retired major general. Before his appointment as Shin Bet chief in October 2025, he had an extensive military career, commanding training and doctrine, the Northern Command's corps, the Commando Brigade, the Egoz unit, and the Golani Brigade's 51st Battalion. During the October 7, 2023, attack, he independently went to combat zones in the Gaza envelope and engaged in direct firefights with terrorists. His appointment as Shin Bet chief from outside the organization was considered an unusual step, coming after decades of combat and command service in IDF field and elite units.