Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu hosted a welcoming ceremony for the new Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head, Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, praising his "impressive military career, bravery, focus, humility, and ability to think outside the box.”
“You have crafted a most impressive career in the IDF’s combat apparatus, as a fighter, a commander, a senior officer, and a major-general on the General Staff,” Netanyahu said.
“At every point, at every junction, you made your mark. I have heard your friends say: ‘I would like Zini at my side in battle.’ There’s no greater compliment.” he added.
He also highlighted Zini’s family background, noting his grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, and his parents. “The Jewish-Zionist, state-minded upbringing that your parents instilled in you has borne fruit,” Netanyahu said.
In his address, Netanyahu also discussed Israel’s security amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the country’s partnership with the United States. Referring to Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit, Netanyahu rejected what he called “another ridiculous claim” that Israel does not determine its own security policy.
“As both I and Vice President JD Vance said yesterday, we are partners. We work together,” Netanyahu said.
“The United States is interested in a strong and independent Israel, absolutely. This is based on my conversations with President Trump and his entire immediate team. They want a strong and independent Israel one that is capable of defending itself, acting decisively, creatively, and independently to protect itself. And when Israel protects itself, it also protects the entire region,” he added.
In attendance alongside the prime minister were Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, government ministers, other MKs, and heads of the security establishment, including senior Shin Bet officials.
Zini as a controversial choice
Zini’s appointment comes amid controversy surrounding his selection as Shin Bet director.
Some 260 former employees of the Shin Bet warned that Zini’s appointment, backed by Netanyahu, posed a danger to Israel. In a public letter, they expressed concern that, in the event of a conflict between a Supreme Court ruling and the prime minister’s directives, Zini might not uphold the rule of law. The letter also raised concerns about his personal ties to Netanyahu potentially influencing decisions related to the Qatargate investigation.
The Supreme Court rejected five petitions seeking to block Zini’s appointment and ordered hearings on the matter to be held by the end of November. The government ultimately approved Zini’s appointment unanimously, following Netanyahu’s strong support. A move that sparked both political and legal controversy.