Archive · 27 May 2025
Israel Attorney General Disputes PM's Shin Bet Chief Pick
Imagine Israel's top spy agency, the Shin Bet, needs a new boss.
The Prime Minister chose someone, but the Attorney General, who is like the country's top lawyer, said it's against the rules.
The Attorney General believes that the Prime Minister has a conflict of interest.
This happened after the Supreme Court said the Prime Minister wasn't allowed to fire the old boss.
Now there is a disagreement on whether the new person can take the job.
The Prime Minister wants the new boss in the job quickly, but the Attorney General said it is illegal.
So, it's a bit of a legal battle over who gets to lead the spies.
Israel's Attorney General said the Prime Minister's nomination of an army major general as head of domestic intelligence is illegal.
The Supreme Court found the Prime Minister's move to sack the incumbent chief unlawful.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated David Zini to lead the Shin Bet.
The Attorney General pointed to recent court decisions regarding the end of the Shin Bet director's mandate.
At least one NGO has threatened to file a challenge against the appointment.
- Who
- Israel's Attorney General and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- What
- The Attorney General stated that the Prime Minister’s nomination of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet is illegal.
- When
- May 2025
- Where
- Israel
- Why
- The Attorney General deemed the Prime Minister's nomination of an army major general as head of domestic intelligence 'illegal' because of conflicts of interest.
Attorney General's Perspective
Prime Minister's Perspective
Appointment Legality
Attorney General's Perspective
The Attorney General stated that the Prime Minister's nomination of Zini is 'illegal.'
Prime Minister's Perspective
The Prime Minister insists Zini be installed as soon as possible, calling it 'a security requirement of the highest order.'
- Prime Minister
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Attorney General
- Gali Baharav Miara
- Nominee for Shin Bet Head
- David Zini
- Incumbent Shin Bet Chief
- Ronen Bar
- Date of the Attorney General's Statement
- May 2025