Former Shin Bet Official Criticizes Head of Shin Bet David Zini Over Speech Remarks

Dvir Kriv, a former Shin Bet official, publicly criticized the recent speech by current Shin Bet chief David Zini, delivered to agency personnel. Kriv emphasized that the Shin Bet's loyalty is to the State of Israel and its democratic laws, not to any elected official, highlighting the agency's official motto, "We serve the State of Israel, not the elected." He argued that Zini's statement about "loyalty to the elected" rather than "subordination to the elected" was problematic and could undermine the agency's values.

Kriv expressed disappointment that Zini's speech, expected to be unifying and reassuring during a politically sensitive period, instead raised concerns. He noted that Zini should have been more cautious with his words, especially given the political context of an election year and the history of requests from Prime Minister Netanyahu for previous Shin Bet chiefs to act outside legal boundaries. Kriv suggested that if Zini’s remarks were taken out of context, he should clarify this; otherwise, Kriv believes Zini should consider resigning.

The discussion also included Ron Kofman, who doubted that Zini prepared the speech in advance, describing it as spontaneous and containing "many nonsense statements." Kriv agreed that if Zini spoke from the heart, he should be more careful with his language, as the head of Shin Bet’s words reflect on the organization and the state. Kriv stressed the importance of adhering to democratic principles regardless of the political leadership, stating that even if a future prime minister from the left ordered surveillance of opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, the Shin Bet chief must refuse.

This controversy follows Zini’s first publicly known speech as Shin Bet chief, which has sparked debate about the agency’s role and its relationship with elected officials amid Israel’s complex political environment.