David Zini

Exiled Gaza security chief Dahlan met with multiple Shin Bet officials in recent years - report

Dahlan, who has been exiled in Abu Dhabi since 2011, has still been described by one source to KAN News as "the most powerful man in the Gaza Strip" because of his fundraising.

 MOHAMMED DAHLAN sits in his office in Abu Dhabi, in 2016. Today, his international influence extends far and wide, the writer explains.
 Mohammed Dahlan, a former Fatah security chief, in his office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. STRINGER/ REUTERS ID: 546201 Image Remarks:

Who is Mohammad Dahlan, exiled security chief the Shin Bet chief allegedly met with? - explainer

Shin Bet director David Zini participates in the state memorial ceremony for the October 7 massacre on Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem, October 16, 2025

Shin Bet chief David Zini met PA’s exiled Gaza security chief during wartime UAE visit - report

Mossad chief David Barnea (L) and Shin Bet chief David Zini at a Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem's Old City, April 20, 2026.

Mossad chief, Shin Bet head visited UAE to coordinate during Operation Roaring Lion - report


Israel's Shin Bet thwarts imminent attacks from West Bank, 40 Bethlehem terrorists arrested

The Shin Bet said it arrested around 40 Palestinian terrorists from Bethlehem in a major bust that thwarted imminent attacks, marking the first large-scale operation under new chief David Zini.

Israeli security forces operate after settlers torched the Al-Hajj Hamida Mosque in the West Bank, November 13, 2025

'No basis' for judicial intervention in Shin Bet chief pick, A-G Baharv-Miara argues

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara formally told the High Court there are “no grounds for judicial intervention” in David Zini's appointment as Shin Bet director, citing a lawful process.

Shin Bet Director David Zini with IDF chief Eyal Zamir at a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025

Shin Bet chief Zini to High Court: Legal challenge against me an effort to 'police opinions'

Zini’s appointment has drawn unusually sharp criticism from within the intelligence community itself. Three former Shin Bet directors joined a petition urging the overturning of the nomination.

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.

'A fighter with ability to think outside the box’: Netanyahu praises new Shin Bet chief Zini

Netanyahu welcomed new Shin Bet head Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini, praising his leadership and reaffirming Israel’s independent security policy amid controversy over the appointment.

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

Far Left MK Ofer Cassif calls new Shin Bet chief Zini a 'dangerous jihadist'

Far Left MK Ofer Cassif called new Shin Bet chief Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini a “dangerous jihadist” who seeks “eternal war."

MK Ofer Cassif speaks during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, November 11, 2024.

High Court to hold hearing on Shin Bet appointment next month 

The case will be heard before Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit, Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg and Justice David Mintz.

Israel's High Court of Justice

Netanyahu holds first working meeting with new Shin Bet chief David Zini

At an earlier meeting with Herzog, Zini spoke about being loyal first to the state, implying that this obligation was a higher priority even than honoring all orders of the prime minister.

Shin Bet director David Zini attends a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, October 5, 2025

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.