It’s Official: Netanyahu Submits Nomination of David Zini as Next Shin Bet Chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally submitted a request to the Senior Appointments Committee to appoint Maj. Gen. (res.) David Zini as head of the Shin Bet, two months after the nomination was delayed by a High Court ruling.

According to the procedure, the public will now have five days to submit objections. The committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court president Asher Grunis, is then expected to decide on the nomination within two weeks. Netanyahu has asked for the process to be expedited so the government can approve Zini’s appointment at its September 21 cabinet meeting.

In his letter to the committee, Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of filling the position, noting that the acting Shin Bet chief’s temporary term expires in about a week. He argued that appointing a permanent director is essential, given the security challenges facing Israel.

The prime minister highlighted Zini’s extensive military record, which includes commanding the Egoz commando unit, the Alexandroni Brigade, the IDF Commando Brigade, the 340th Division, a corps in Northern Command, the Training and Doctrine Command, and founding the Hashmonaim Brigade.

Netanyahu wrote that he has personally worked with Zini over the years and was impressed by his “critical thinking” and ability to adapt the security establishment to changing realities. He also noted that he had previously interviewed Zini for the role of military secretary and formally offered him the Shin Bet leadership in May 2025.

The High Court had previously delayed the nomination for 60 days after a petition from left-wing activists, but the government’s position has not changed since. Netanyahu criticized the postponement as unnecessary, saying the appointment could have been finalized months earlier.