Netanyahu Appoints New Shin Bet Chief Amid Legal Controversy

In a significant move on May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Maj. Gen. David Zini as the new chief of Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence agency. This decision arrives in the wake of tensions surrounding the recent firing of the previous director, Ronen Bar, which has now attracted scrutiny from Israel's legal system. General Zini, who is expected to bring extensive operational experience from the Israeli military, faces a challenging path ahead as the legal implications of Bar's removal loom large.

The conflict erupted after Netanyahu dismissed Bar in March, a move that is currently under judicial review due to allegations of mishandling the process. Reports indicate that Israel's Supreme Court deemed Bar's firing to be "tainted with many flaws," raising concerns about conflicts of interest relating to ongoing investigations involving Netanyahu's aides. Complicating matters further, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has openly criticized the appointment of Zini, asserting that Netanyahu should have refrained from making such a decision until the legal questions surrounding Bar’s dismissal have been resolved.

As tensions mount over Shin Bet’s leadership and the interplay between government authority and legal integrity, this appointment stands at a precarious juncture, underlining the delicate balance of power in Israeli politics.