Netanyahu appoints new Shin Bet chief, defying court order

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Major General David Zini as the head of the Internal Intelligence Agency Shin Bet (Shabak), despite a court ruling. The Israeli Supreme Court had recently ruled that the dismissal of the current Shin Bet Director, Ronen Bar, was “unlawful and baseless.” However, the Prime Minister’s Office officially announced Zini’s appointment despite this ruling.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that Zini has held important positions in various units of the Israeli army and, notably, prepared a critical report detailing vulnerabilities in the Gaza Division months before the October 7 attack.

The Israeli Supreme Court had stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s dismissal of Ronen Bar lacked a legal basis and that Netanyahu was in a conflict of interest due to ongoing investigations related to the “Qatargate” affair. Similarly, Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had warned that the prime minister could not arbitrarily dismiss the incumbent Shin Bet Director.

In a statement following the court decision, Baharav-Miara had said, “The Prime Minister should refrain from taking any action regarding the new head of the Shin Bet.”

Netanyahu, however, countered this warning in a rare press conference, announcing that the government would proceed with the appointment. Following the official appointment on Thursday, the Attorney General’s Office issued a new statement, declaring that the prime minister “acted contrary to the legal opinion.” The statement added, “There are serious suspicions that Netanyahu acted in a conflict of interest. The appointment process is flawed.”

The court had issued a temporary injunction against Bar’s dismissal, also preventing a new appointment until the legal process was completed.

Ronen Bar, whom Netanyahu wanted to dismiss but was blocked by the court, had announced in recent weeks that he would resign as of June 15. Bar had taken responsibility for the security failures following the October 7 attacks, emphasizing that the political leadership should also share this responsibility.

Netanyahu’s appointment decision was met with harsh public criticism. Clashes occurred between police and demonstrators during protests in Tel Aviv, resulting in numerous arrests. Footage shared on social media showed some protesters being dragged on the ground and subjected to police intervention.

Main opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s appointment of Zini created a serious conflict of interest due to the ongoing Qatargate scandal. Lapid called on David Zini not to accept the post until the Supreme Court issues its final ruling.

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz also remarked that Netanyahu ignored the attorney general’s recommendations, stating he “once again overstepped the boundaries of the law.” According to Gantz, this appointment is dragging the country into a constitutional conflict at the expense of Israel’s security.

Former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan emphasized that Netanyahu’s violation of the court decision clearly plunged the country into a constitutional crisis.

David Zini, the son of a family who immigrated to Israel from France, is an experienced commander who has served in elite units of the Israeli army. According to the Prime Minister’s Office statement, Zini’s past roles and the strategic reports he prepared are among the factors that led to his appointment as head of Shin Bet.

However, the fact that his appointment occurred despite the court decision and ongoing legal process has ignited serious debates in Israel regarding judicial independence, the limits of executive power, and the politicization of intelligence. Opposition parties and civil society organizations have announced they will initiate legal action against this appointment.