Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced General David Zini as the new head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency on May 22, 2025.
• The appointment directly contradicts a prohibition issued by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and a Supreme Court ruling deeming the dismissal of outgoing chief Ronen Bar unlawful.
• The Movement for Quality Government has pledged to challenge Zini’s appointment before the Supreme Court, citing concerns about the legality of the process.
• Netanyahu justifies the decision by criticizing Bar’s leadership, particularly his handling of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, while opponents accuse the Prime Minister of acting out of personal and political motives.
• General Zini, a decorated military officer, has held prominent roles in the Israeli Defense Forces, including serving in elite units and founding a commando brigade.