Shin Bet Chief Removes Gender Equality Officer Over Criticism of Wife’s Letter to Female Employees

Shin Bet Chief David Zini has dismissed the agency’s gender equality officer following her public opposition to a letter written by his wife, Naomi Zini, addressed to the wives of Shin Bet employees during Passover. The letter praised the strength of women who uphold goodness and blessings, linking their roles to the revival of the Jewish people after 2,000 years of exile.

The dismissed official had been expected to complete her term in a few months but was removed primarily due to her vocal criticism of Naomi Zini’s letter. She will remain in the Shin Bet in her main role, just not as the gender equality officer. In an April letter to her superiors, she sharply criticized the letter’s content and distribution, noting it caused offense and anger among both religious and secular employees. She argued that women in 2026 Israel are much more than the traditional roles portrayed and highlighted the many female Shin Bet operatives who risk their lives. She also pointed out that the letter marginalized the LGBTQ+ community, which Shin Bet supports.

The official suggested the letter should have been sent to all employees’ families rather than only to women, and that it reinforced outdated gender roles. She acknowledged the good intentions behind the letter but said it hurt many people. She also linked the controversy to a broader organizational culture issue revealed by the October 7 failures, emphasizing the need for diverse opinions.

Another former Shin Bet operations manager also sent a strong letter opposing the message, condemning it as reflecting the chief’s mindset rather than a private opinion. She criticized the letter for erasing the contributions of female fighters and commanders, reducing women to supporters behind their husbands. She condemned the religious and Zionist framing of the letter as resembling fundamentalist views that push women backward under the guise of modesty. She demanded an official clarification from the Shin Bet chief to the agency’s women and the country’s female soldiers, warning that regressing women’s status is not preserving tradition but a setback. She concluded by asserting that while the chief may leave his post in three years, women will remain and continue to fight for their rights.