Justice Minister Levin Demands President Herzog Support Shin Bet Chief Zini Amid Loyalty Debate

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin sharply criticized President Isaac Herzog following Herzog's veiled remarks about Shin Bet chief David Zini. Herzog had stated at a National Security College graduation ceremony that state institutions belong to all citizens and that security agencies are loyal to the sovereign, not any individual or political faction. Levin responded by citing Israeli law, emphasizing that both the Shin Bet and police are subordinate to the government. He insisted that Zini was merely stating the obvious when affirming his subordination to the government as mandated by law.

Levin also took aim at Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai for not publicly affirming his subordination to the government, contrasting him with Zini. Levin called on Herzog, as president and legal expert, to back Zini and demand that all security heads, including the police commissioner, act in accordance with the law. He concluded by underscoring that "the rule of law means respecting the law."

The controversy stems from Zini's recent statements about the hierarchy between elected officials and public servants, stressing the need to clarify loyalty lines. Zini emphasized that loyalty should be to the democratic system and elected representatives, not to any individual leader, and highlighted the importance of keeping politics out of the Shin Bet.

Simultaneously, the police have faced scrutiny over their stance on obeying the government versus the Supreme Court. Police spokesperson Aryeh Doron avoided a direct commitment to siding with the court in case of conflict, prompting debate. Police Commissioner Shabtai later affirmed the police's commitment to implementing Supreme Court decisions without hesitation, stressing the police's apolitical nature.

Levin's direct confrontation with Herzog and comparison between Zini and Shabtai marks an escalation in the debate over the loyalty and subordination of Israel's security and law enforcement agencies to the elected government.