According to the English section of webangah News Agency, Israeli political officials and senior military officers have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appointment of General David Zini as the new head of shin Bet (Israel’s internal security service), demanding his resignation.
Former Shin Bet chiefs have called for Zini’s removal and the appointment of an interim leader for the intelligence agency.
Israel’s Channel 13 reported that senior military officials consider Zini unsuitable for leading Shin Bet, joining calls for his resignation.
Meanwhile, outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has informed advisors he will remain in his position due to legal requirements until a replacement is confirmed.
The Israeli regime quoted former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot stating that appointing a Shin Bet leader during current wartime conditions has become “a ridiculous game.” Eisenkot urged Zini to decline the position, calling his appointment fundamentally flawed.
Former Shin Bet leaders petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court to appoint Bar’s deputy as transitional head until a permanent replacement is selected.
Netanyahu announced Zini’s appointment Thursday night, drawing sharp criticism from Israeli Cabinet Legal Adviser Gali Baharav-Miara and top military commanders. Baharav-Miara stated this move violates laws in occupied territories and recommended postponing any appointment until proper selection procedures are established.
IDF Chief Eyal Zamir expressed surprise at the decision, revealing he learned about it just three minutes before Netanyahu’s official declaration without prior consultation. Current chief Ronen Bar confirmed he will vacate his position by mid-June 2024.
