David Zini

No. 22: David Zini and Eyal Zamir: Commanding Israel’s security through war and turmoil

Israel’s top security chiefs wield enormous influence as they navigate war, terror, political pressure, and a rapidly changing security landscape.

  Shin Bet Director David Zini seen with IDF chief Eyal Zamir during a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025
Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026.

High Court orders former Shin Bet officials who challenged Zini appointment to reveal names

President Isaac Herzog meets with the family of missing child Haymanot Kasau on August 25, 2026.

Shin Bet involved in search for missing child Haymanut Kasau, Herzog says at meeting with parents

Protesters block roads in Tel Aviv demanding further government action into the disappearance of four-year-old Haymanut Kasau, July 26, 2026.

Haymanot's parents ask Shin Bet chief to take over investigation 911 days after disappearance


Shin Bet must protect Eisenkot before political violence brings Israel another tragedy - editorial

Providing Eisenkot with security before the election is the best way to ensure the country does not endure another devastating national tragedy.

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party attends a conference in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, July 9, 2026.

Shin Bet chief David Zini: I alone made decision to deny Gadi Eisenkot security detail

Yet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the head of the Shin Bet security agency on Sunday evening to ensure that Eisenkot receives security protection.

Shin Bet Director David Zini attends the funeral of an Israeli soldier at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, March 27, 2026

Yisca Hayimov, sister of Shin Bet chief David Zini, joins Avi Maoz's far-right Noam LeYisrael party

The ultra-conservative Noam LeYisrael party, led by MK Avi Maoz, opposes homosexuality and has been pushing for expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Liora Alon and Yisca Hayimov stand with Noam for Israel Party chair MK Avi Maoz.

Shin Bet head rejects Eisenkot's security detail request, accused of political motives - report

The decision was reportedly made despite social media threats against Eisenkot and warnings from the defense sector that hostile actors may target former senior officials.

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot visits Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Gaza border, as part of his election campaign, August 5, 2026.

Sister of missing Haymanut Kasau accuses Shin Bet chief of refusing to act in search

"When there is a will, we saw that things can indeed be done," said Yeros in a sit-down with her father on Maariv's Education on the Agenda podcast.

Screenshot of Yeros Kasau during a Maariv interview on the Education on the Agenda podcast.

Hamas sees demilitarization talks as strategy to 'trap Israel,' Zini warns security cabinet

Speaking during a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Zini said Hamas believes it should have pursued the demilitarization agreement with the Board of Peace in order to "trap Israel."

Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026.

Netanyahu’s government is accused of fueling West Bank violence - opinion

As Netanyahu’s tenure draws to a close, his record is one of internal division, international isolation, and the worst security catastrophe in the country’s history.

Israeli settlers riot at a Palestinian village in the West Bank, setting fire to cars and homes, on November 17, 2025

Yair Golan isn’t democracy’s defender if he neglects its norms – opinion

The leader of the Democrats Party needs to show a willingness to include those who oppose him if he wishes to uphold his motto

hDemocrats Party chair Yair Golan speaks to the press in Tel Aviv in July 2026.

Shin Bet Chief Zini makes first official visit to YAMAM counterterrorism unit, meets with deputy

Shin Bet Chief David Zini visited YAMAM for the first time, reviewing joint counterterrorism operations, technological capabilities, and the unit’s past hostage rescue missions in Gaza.

Shin Bet Chief David Zini oversees operations on a visit to the YAMAM base on July 26, 2026.

Netanyahu orders West Bank crackdown after two Israelis killed in terror shooting amid clashes

PM, Defense Minister Katz announce increased troop deployments, new checkpoints, expanded counterterrorism measures • Terror shooting followed confrontation involving settlers, IDF, and Palestinians

(From R-L) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Council head Shmuel Ben-Ezra, military secretary Maj.-Gen. Guy Markizeno, IDF chief Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF Intelligence head Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Shin Bet head David Zini consult, July 24, 2026.