Shin Bet Officials Threaten to Resign

(MENAFN) Senior operational commanders within Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, have reportedly warned they may step down if Premier Benjamin Netanyahu proceeds with appointing Maj. Gen. David Zini as the agency’s incoming chief, based on a Sunday evening report from an Israeli national broadcaster.

Field officials overseeing operations in Jerusalem and the West Bank have expressed their concerns privately, stating that the potential leadership change constitutes a “political move” that compromises the institution’s professional standards and mission.

These coordinators argue that Zini’s ideological stance is fundamentally at odds with Shin Bet’s core principles and organizational culture.

While no official resignations have been lodged so far, the warning signals rare and serious discontent within Israel’s highly secretive security institution.

Netanyahu announced Zini’s nomination last Thursday, going against a ruling from Israel’s Supreme Court and a directive from the Attorney General, both of which stated that removing the current head, Ronen Bar, was legally invalid.

Although the government had initially dismissed Bar in March, the Supreme Court intervened with a temporary injunction, blocking both his termination and the declaration of a new appointment until appeals from the opposition were thoroughly examined.

Nevertheless, on April 28, Bar disclosed that he intended to vacate his role by June 15.

This internal crisis unfolds amid Israel’s ongoing and highly destructive military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023 and has led to the deaths of over 53,900 Palestinians—most of them women and minors.

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