Rabbi Eliyahu Zini Affirms Shin Bet Chief Will Obey Netanyahu Over Supreme Court

Rabbi Eliyahu Zini, uncle of Shin Bet chief David Zini, spoke on Kan Reshet Bet about the controversy surrounding his nephew's leaked recordings. He stated that in the conflict between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Supreme Court, it is clear that his nephew will obey the Prime Minister, as that is the government's role to give directives. "I don't understand the problem, it is the government's job to provide instructions," he said.

The recordings, revealed by i24, include David Zini explaining his acceptance of the Shin Bet chief position despite initial reservations. He noted that although he was expected to decline, he agreed because he felt uniquely qualified to be loyal to the elected leadership regardless of personal opinions. Zini emphasized his commitment to serving the government’s directives, highlighting his transition from the IDF to Shin Bet and his belief in loyalty to the political echelon.

Rabbi Zini’s comments come amid public debate over the Shin Bet chief’s stance in the ongoing tension between Netanyahu and the judiciary. The uncle’s remarks underscore the expectation that the Shin Bet head will follow the Prime Minister’s lead in this institutional dispute.