Ex-Shin Bet Chief Ami Ayalon Met With Current Director David Zini
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon revealed he met with current director David Zini to discuss election influence probes. Ayalon, who previously opposed Zini's appointment, called Zini brave for seeking diverse opinions. Ayalon also criticized the Shin Bet's handling of Jewish terrorism in the West Bank. Thousands protested nationwide for inclusive government coalitions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon met with current director David Zini this week.
- Ayalon revealed the meeting during a speech at a Tel Aviv demonstration.
- The meeting concerned an investigation into suspected foreign influence in the 26th Knesset elections.
- Ayalon called Zini brave for seeking views contrary to his own.
- Ayalon criticized the Shin Bet's classification of violence in the West Bank.
- Thousands protested across Israel for inclusive government coalitions.
Former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Ami Ayalon revealed on Saturday evening that he met with the current Shin Bet director, David Zini, in Zini's office earlier this week. Ayalon disclosed this during a speech at a demonstration in Tel Aviv's Habima Square.
The meeting occurred amid reports that Zini had consulted with former senior security officials, including Ayalon, regarding an investigation into suspected foreign influence in the 26th Knesset elections. Zini reportedly shared classified information from the investigation with the group, which Ayalon led. Sources indicated Zini presented information highlighting suspicions of funds being transferred to Arab party leaders. The former officials advised deepening the investigation but cautioned Zini about the dangers of undermining election results.
Ayalon stated in his speech that he did not hesitate to accept Zini's request for a meeting. He described Zini as "a brave person seeking to hear views contrary to his own," given that Zini knew Ayalon's past opposition to his appointment. Ayalon emphasized that the Shin Bet must remain above political disputes and prioritize the democratic system over subservience to the government.
Furthermore, Ayalon strongly criticized the classification of violent actions in the West Bank, asserting that "any violent act directed against civilians to advance a political goal is terrorism, whether committed by Jews or by Palestinians." He condemned the Shin Bet for allegedly defining Jewish terrorism in the West Bank as mere "friction between populations," calling it a failure of its duty.
Simultaneously, thousands protested in various locations across Israel, calling for a government coalition that includes the Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List.
