Israeli President Herzog Affirms Security Agencies' Loyalty to the People Amid Controversy

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed a message to Shin Bet chief David Zini on Wednesday, emphasizing that Israel's security and law enforcement agencies are loyal not to any individual or political faction, but to the sovereign people, Israeli law, and the values of the Jewish and democratic state. Speaking at the National Security College graduation ceremony, Herzog stressed the importance of upholding state institutions and their laws as belonging to and serving all citizens, especially amid societal polarization. He reaffirmed Israel's commitment to equality for all citizens regardless of religion, race, or gender, and underscored adherence to human and Jewish moral values, respect for human rights, international laws of warfare, and justice.

Herzog's remarks came a day after Shin Bet head David Zini sparked controversy by stating he accepted his appointment because he believed he was uniquely capable of loyalty to the elected leadership regardless of political views. Zini said, "I have an agenda, I want to promote it. That is my responsibility, it is my role."

The president's comments drew sharp criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who accused Herzog of political bias and urged him to act as president for all Israelis rather than favoring one side. Ben-Gvir also criticized Herzog for acting quickly on honoring "refusers" but delaying justice and clemency for the prime minister.

At the same ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned of the army's minimal size relative to current threats, intensified since October 7, and called for significant expansion of the military to meet all missions. Zamir reflected on the ongoing war's heavy toll and the need to learn from failures, while highlighting unprecedented operational achievements and a new security doctrine focused on preemptive threat removal and creating demilitarized zones along borders.

Notably, senior political leaders Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz canceled their planned participation in the event at the last minute due to urgent security scheduling conflicts.