David Zini

State urges High Court to keep Zini, three others detained after Gaza smuggling case ruling

A hearing was set for Wednesday at 5 p.m. before Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz. 

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.
Bezalel Zini, accused of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip, is seen on a screen at the Beersheba District Court, February 5, 2026

Court orders release Shin Bet chief’s brother, defendants to house arrest in Gaza smuggling case

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Shin Bet chief Zini backs agency's Oct. 7 findings, defying PM narrative

Trucks carry aid for Palestinians, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 14, 2025.

Shin Bet employee indicted in Gaza smuggling affair alongside Bezalel Zini


Three ex-Shin Bet chiefs to High Court: Cancel Netanyahu's appointment of David Zini

Multiple government officials oppose Netanyahu's appointment of Zini.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

High Court of Justice rejects requests to delay Zini’s appointment as Shin Bet chief

This decision came following the government's unanimous approval of Zini's appointment, headed by PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Cabinet appoints Zini as next Shin Bet chief following controversy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated the controversial candidate in May.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Criticism of new Shin Bet chief David Zini is more about Netanyahu - analysis

Maj.-Gen. David Zini’s nomination as Shin Bet chief has sparked debate, with critics arguing concerns focus more on Netanyahu’s motives than Zini’s record.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Over 200 former Shin Bet employees against Netanyahu's appointment of David Zini - N12

According to a letter seen by N12, the employees stated that Zini’s beliefs regarding the judicial system would harm the balance between Israel’s security needs and Jerusalem’s democratic values.

 Maj. Gen. David Zini visits families of fallen Israeli soldiers during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on April 30, 2025.

Netanyahu submits proposal of Zini as next Shin Bet chief to Senior Appt.'s Advisory C'tee

In his letter, Netanyahu asked that matters be rushed so that Zini could take the appointment already on September 21, when the acting Shin Bet director 'S' finishes his tenure.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Netanyahu's trial ends early due to IDF strikes in Syria

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at the Tel Aviv District Court, July 16 2025

High Court approves compromise between gov't, A-G on new Shin Bet head

Under the decision, the incoming Shin Bet director will be barred from involvement in the “Qatargate” investigation until the matter is resolved by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara.

 Maj. Gen. David Zini visits families of fallen Israeli soldiers during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on April 30, 2025.

High Court ruling on Shin Bet head may trigger Israel's descent into lawlessness - opinion

Revolutionary judges have altered the Israeli system without asking the people, and created a regime that harms both democracy and Israeli society. 

 Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024

Shin Bet charade: It's time to approve Netanyahu's Zini appt - editorial

Talk about Chelm. It’s time to get on with the business of safeguarding the citizens of Israel.

 Maj. Gen. David Zini visits families of fallen Israeli soldiers during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on April 30, 2025.