Senior Shin Bet Officials Rebel Against Removal of October 7 Memorial at Headquarters

Three senior officials within the Shin Bet have expressed strong opposition to the order by agency head David Zini to dismantle the memorial dedicated to the victims of the October 7 attack. The memorial, located at the entrance to the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv, was removed last week following Zini's claim that it conveyed a sense of defeatism. The three officials, who continue to assist the agency in a reserve capacity, have threatened to resign if the decision is not reversed, stating they "cannot continue as if nothing happened," emphasizing that the October 7 event was a key motivation for their return and efforts to rehabilitate the organization.

This move has sparked unrest within the Shin Bet and anger among families of the fallen. One family member told news outlet Channel 12, "We are here to face the failure every day, even if Zini refuses to see it - this fuels our work after October 7." In addition to the memorial's removal, Zini has also canceled other events, including Pride Month celebrations and delegations to Poland, further contributing to internal tensions. The three senior officials have marked the memorial's preservation as a red line, underscoring the significance of honoring the victims amid ongoing organizational reforms.

The controversy highlights deep divisions within the Shin Bet regarding how to handle the legacy of the October 7 attack and the agency's public image moving forward. The officials plan to formally communicate their stance to Zini in the coming days, signaling a potential leadership crisis if the dispute remains unresolved.