Shin Bet Director David Zini defends his appointment before Israel’s High Court, denouncing political motives and reaffirming his spotless professional integrity.
In a firm and unapologetic response to Israel’s High Court of Justice, Shin Bet Director David Zini struck back at the petitions challenging his appointment, calling them “blatantly political attacks” aimed at undermining Israel’s security leadership through the courts.
Zini, who has served 33 years in the IDF, including as Commander of the Commando Brigade, submitted a detailed defense through his attorneys, asserting that his selection followed every legal and ethical procedure, and was approved by all requisite state authorities, including the Advisory Committee for Senior Appointments, headed by former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.
“The Grunis Committee found no flaw in my integrity, conduct, or qualifications,” Zini emphasized, adding that the allegations against him are “nothing but gossip, false publications, and politically motivated rumors.”
He further warned that such attacks “waste the time and resources of Israel’s security establishment” and risk eroding public trust in the non-partisan professionalism of the Shin Bet.
Petitioners had cited past remarks by Zini — including his statement, “I am not a Zionist, but a Jew — and only a Jew” — as grounds for questioning his fitness for office. Zini dismissed the criticism as a distortion of deeply personal faith, explaining that the sentiment expresses a profound Jewish identity fully compatible with public service.
“There is nothing improper in identifying as a Jew first,” Zini clarified. “It connects me to all generations of our people — those who fought, sacrificed, and built this nation.”
The response also categorically denied claims that Zini had ever leaked classified information, misled superiors, or engaged in conflicts of interest. “These accusations,” he wrote, “are devoid of factual or legal basis.”
Zini concluded powerfully: “My life’s work — from special operations to inter-agency security coordination — is the true foundation of my appointment. Not political opinion, not rumor, not defamation.”
With Israel’s security apparatus facing unprecedented regional challenges, Zini’s rebuttal underscores the high-stakes tension between judicial activism and national security leadership — a struggle where loyalty, integrity, and Israel’s survival intersect.
