Cabinet meets to approve David Zini as new Shin Bet chief, despite controversy

Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

David Zini at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on August 6, 2025 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
David Zini at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on August 6, 2025 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The full government cabinet is currently convening to approve the appointment of David Zini as Shin Bet chief, the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirms, after announcing that the premier would hold the session at 8:00 p.m.

The candidacy of Zini, a former general, was approved last week by the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, which rejected the argument that Netanyahu was barred from proposing a candidate while the Shin Bet was actively investigating his advisers for ties to Qatar.

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