Former Shin Bet Official Accuses Agency Leadership of Political Bias and Calls for Purge

Shosh Raban, a retired lieutenant colonel and former senior official in Israel's Shin Bet security service, sharply criticized the current leadership of the agency in a radio interview on Friday. Speaking with journalist Eli Tsipori on Galei Yisrael radio, Raban accused the agency's top brass of allowing political influences to infiltrate the organization, turning it into what she described as a "Kaplanist party" with no accountability. She directly addressed Shin Bet chief David Zini, warning him that he is dealing with dangerous individuals within the service.

Raban demanded immediate and drastic personnel changes at the highest levels of Shin Bet, insisting that mere transfers or light disciplinary measures are insufficient. "He needs to clean house in Shin Bet; they should not just be moved, they should be expelled," she stated firmly. She further alleged that some actions by these individuals have crossed legal boundaries, warranting criminal proceedings. "He should make them understand they should be grateful he is expelling them rather than arresting them," she said.

Concluding her critique, Raban lamented the loss of professionalism and impartiality within the agency, asserting that it has become politically biased toward a particular faction. Her remarks represent an unprecedented public denunciation from within the Shin Bet ranks, highlighting internal tensions and calls for reform under David Zini's leadership.