Shin Bet Chief David Zini Accuses Media of Character Assassination and Hostility

Shortly after assuming his role as head of the Shin Bet, David Zini convened senior agency managers for a meeting that turned into a sharp critique of the media, according to a report by Haaretz. Zini accused the press and what he called "channels of venom" of conducting a character assassination against him and his family, dismissing allegations about his appointment and actions as lies and dark conspiracies. He repeatedly warned his staff not to trust media reports, describing journalists as unprofessional and prone to exaggeration.

Zini's disdain extends beyond the media to certain segments of the population he derogatorily refers to as "Tel Avivians," whom he and his close associates blame for consuming hostile media narratives. This contempt is also reflected internally, where some senior Shin Bet officials, especially those linked to former chief Ronen Bar, are disparaged as disconnected "Tel Avivians." A close aide nicknamed "Yishai," who is not originally from the agency, reportedly shows disrespect during meetings by reading religious texts while others speak.

The most disparaged figure internally is the head of the Research Division A, whose analyses are repeatedly dismissed as irrelevant by Zini's team. Additionally, Zini, who relocated to Jerusalem, reportedly dislikes the Shin Bet headquarters being in northern Tel Aviv and has expressed a desire to move it to the capital, citing his aversion to Tel Aviv's atmosphere.

Zini's relations with other top security officials are strained. His rapport with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is tense due to the circumstances of Zini's military departure and a controversial interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted without Zamir's knowledge. Police Commissioner Danni Levi criticizes Zini for his lack of involvement in crime fighting, blaming him for police failures. Similarly, Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly holds Zini in low regard. The Shin Bet declined to comment on the report.