Eisenkot Hints at Review of Shin Bet Chief's Powers Post-Election

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar Party and former IDF Chief of Staff, indicated on Sunday, October 11, that he may initiate a review of Shin Bet chief David Zini's activities after the upcoming elections, provided the "change bloc" successfully forms the next government. Speaking at a youth conference hosted by the National Union of Israeli Students, Eisenkot criticized recent personnel appointments within the General (Shin Bet), warning of the dangers of promoting associates to sensitive security positions. "I have very serious concerns that convenient people, familiar people, are being appointed, not professionals," he stated, adding that this issue would be substantively addressed in three weeks, after the elections.

The catalyst for Eisenkot's remarks was a report detailing Zini's decision to appoint a senior IDF general, who lacks prior experience in counterintelligence or intelligence operations, to head a Shin Bet directorate responsible for preventing terrorism among Israel's Arab population. The government's Legal Advisor, Gali Baharav-Miara, is reportedly intending to examine the validity of Zini's high-level appointments, considering restrictions on personnel changes during the pre-election period.

Eisenkot, who has known Zini for decades and previously promoted his career, emphasized that security service leaders must be loyal to the state, not to those who appointed them. "From the moment people receive appointments and take office, they must be required to be loyal to the state, not to whoever appointed them," he asserted. While stopping short of a direct promise to dismiss Zini, Eisenkot made it clear the matter would be revisited post-election.

Eisenkot linked his criticism of Shin Bet appointments to a broader issue he claims is significantly damaging public service, particularly within the Prime Minister's Office. He alleged that unqualified individuals, some failing security clearance checks, and others appointed due to cronyism or connections to the Likud party's central apparatus, are being placed in key government roles. This practice, he argued, has led to a severe degradation of public service and the security apparatus.

Further intensifying his critique, Eisenkot referenced recent statements by retired Major General Avi Gilor, former military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gilor had made serious accusations regarding alterations to national security meeting protocols. Eisenkot expressed full trust in Gilor's account, comparing the described events to "mafia-like" methods, including protocol changes and politically motivated personnel shifts.

Eisenkot also touched upon the "Qatargate" affair, expressing concern over alleged financial ties between individuals close to the Prime Minister and Qatar. He concluded by discussing potential political scenarios, reiterating his commitment to forming a new government even without a clear 61-seat majority, provided there is a "clear Zionist majority." He aims for his Yashar party to become the largest political force to enable decisive action on critical national issues.

The Shin Bet, in response, rejected the criticism, stating that appointments were pre-planned, legally compliant, and based on professional procedures, qualifications, and experience.