Shin Bet Chief David Zini Meets Former PM Naftali Bennett to Discuss Security and Political Neutrality

Shin Bet Chief David Zini recently held an extended meeting with former Prime Minister and Yachdav party leader Naftali Bennett, according to a report by Channel 12 on Sunday. The meeting was reportedly requested by Zini amid Bennett's public promise to replace any security appointees who introduce political agendas rather than serve Israel's interests. They discussed security concerns, particularly the rising threats against current and former public officials, including attempts by terror cells to target Bennett both online and physically over the past year.

Bennett emphasized in a recent interview that anyone acting unprofessionally or politically within security agencies would not remain under his leadership, stating, "Whoever acts in a non-state manner will not be with me." He reiterated this stance regarding the heads of Shin Bet and Mossad, underscoring his commitment to professional and apolitical security leadership.

Zini has also met with other prime ministerial candidates, including Gadi Eisenkot, as part of efforts to clarify his professional stance and loyalty to the state rather than any individual leader. These meetings come amid public criticism of Zini related to several controversies, such as his initial opposition to investigating a leak about the timing of an Israeli strike in Iran and his involvement in a security assessment supporting continued protection for Sara Netanyahu after her husband's term ended.

Security officials have clarified that the assessment focused solely on threat levels and did not determine the duration of protection. The meetings with political figures appear aimed at reaffirming Zini's professional integrity and commitment to serving Israel impartially during a tense election period. Neither Bennett's office nor Shin Bet provided official comments on the meeting.