After legal challenges were dismissed, Maj. Gen. (res.) David Zini takes charge of Israel’s Shin Bet, succeeding Ronen Bar in a critical security transition.
Maj. Gen. (res.) David Zini officially assumed command of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Sunday, following the Supreme Court’s decision to reject petitions seeking to delay or block his appointment.
While no formal handover ceremony was held — reflecting the political controversy that surrounded his nomination — Zini has already begun work at Shin Bet headquarters, coordinating closely with Deputy Chief “S.”, who temporarily led the agency after the departure of Ronen Bar. The transition period is expected to ensure full operational continuity and maintain the Shin Bet’s intensive counterterrorism efforts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Zini in an official statement, calling the appointment vital at a time of unprecedented security challenges.
“I congratulate the incoming Shin Bet chief, Maj. Gen. (res.) David Zini, and wish him success in the enormous task that lies ahead,” Netanyahu said. “Special thanks to S., the outgoing Deputy Shin Bet chief, for his dedicated service that has contributed greatly to maintaining the security of Israeli citizens.”
Zini, a decorated IDF officer and former commander of the Central Command, brings decades of counterterrorism and intelligence experience to the role. His leadership is expected to focus on neutralizing ongoing terror threats, strengthening coordination with the IDF and Mossad, and bolstering Israel’s domestic security apparatus amid heightened tensions on multiple fronts.
Despite opposition from some political factions, security officials have described Zini as a seasoned and pragmatic strategist, widely respected for his operational expertise and steady command under pressure.
His appointment signals continuity and resolve in Israel’s fight against terror — a reminder that even amid political friction, national security remains the state’s unshakable priority.
