Netanyahu Defies Attorney General, Appoints New Shin Bet Chief

Prime Minister Overrides Court Ruling, Sparks Political Backlash
David Zini July 2024
David Zini July 2024IDF Spokesperson's Unit
Updated on
2 min read

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the appointment of IDF Maj. Gen. David Zini as the next head of Israel’s domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, on Thursday—directly defying an order from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

The move came just one day after the High Court of Justice ruled that Netanyahu’s dismissal of outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was "improper" and "unlawful," citing a conflict of interest. Baharav-Miara had explicitly barred Netanyahu from making any new appointments while the legal implications of the ruling were being assessed.

Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s office proceeded with Zini’s appointment, praising his extensive military experience. Zini, a father of 11, currently serves as head of the IDF’s Training Command and General Staff Corps and has been instrumental in advancing the recruitment of Haredi Jewish soldiers.

The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted a March 2023 report Zini authored for the Gaza Division commander, which assessed preparedness for a potential surprise attack. His findings warned that "in almost any sector, a surprise raid on our forces could be carried out"—a pointed reference to Netanyahu’s assertion that the Shin Bet failed to anticipate Hamas’s October 7 assault.

Legal and Political Fallout

The appointment has intensified an already bitter dispute between Netanyahu’s government and Israel’s judiciary. Bar, who announced he would step down on June 15, was initially dismissed in March after Netanyahu claimed he had lost confidence in his leadership following the October 7 attack.

However, government watchdog groups petitioned the High Court, alleging that Bar’s removal was politically motivated—stemming from his resistance to Netanyahu on key issues—and that the prime minister had a conflict of interest due to ongoing Shin Bet investigations into his close aides, including the "Qatargate" scandal involving alleged illicit payments from a foreign government.

The case has fueled national division, with Netanyahu’s opponents accusing him of obstructing investigations, while his allies argue the attorney general and judiciary are overstepping their authority.

Defiance and Condemnation

Netanyahu remained defiant following the High Court’s ruling, insisting that the government retains the legal authority to appoint Shin Bet leadership.

"That’s the law," he said. "The government of Israel, under my leadership, will appoint the head of the Shin Bet. It is essential to our security. We will do it."

Baharav-Miara swiftly condemned the move, accusing Netanyahu of acting "in contravention of legal instructions" and warning of a "flawed" appointment process. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, however, praised the decision as "courageous" and necessary to restore "democratic order."

Surprise Within the IDF

Reports from Army Radio and Kan public broadcaster revealed that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was not consulted before the announcement and was informed only minutes before it was made public. Zini had reportedly been under consideration for the Northern Command before being tapped for the Shin Bet role.

Netanyahu’s decision also follows a botched attempt in March to appoint Eli Sharvit as Shin Bet chief, which was abruptly reversed after Sharvit’s past criticism of the government’s judicial overhaul and U.S. President Donald Trump drew backlash from coalition members.

The controversy underscores deepening tensions between Netanyahu’s government and Israel’s legal institutions, with the Shin Bet’s leadership now at the center of a high-stakes political and judicial battle.

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