Three Senior Shin Bet Officials Threaten to Quit Over Memorial Removal Dispute

A severe internal crisis is unfolding within Israel's Shin Bet security service as three senior former officials, now serving in a reserve capacity, plan to inform Shin Bet chief David Zini that they can no longer continue their work. This decision follows Zini's recent order to dismantle the memorial dedicated to the victims of the October 7 attacks, which was located at the entrance to the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv. The three officials have declared the memorial's preservation a red line and intend to tell Zini, "We cannot continue as if nothing happened," at their upcoming meeting.

The controversy began when Zini justified the removal by claiming the memorial conveyed a message of defeatism, which he said was inconsistent with the organization's spirit. This move, along with other recent decisions by Zini, such as canceling Pride Month events within the agency and deciding against sending delegations to Poland, has sparked unrest and intense debate among Shin Bet employees.

The internal tensions have escalated to the point where the crisis may deepen further. Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb sharply criticized the turmoil, labeling it a "rebellion and coup within Shin Bet," and called on Zini to dismiss anyone involved in leaks or undermining his directives. The dispute highlights growing divisions within Israel's top security agency over how to honor fallen personnel and manage organizational culture.