High Court says it won’t freeze Zini’s appointment as Shin Bet director while considering petitions against him

Jeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter

David Zini seen with ultra-Orthodox soldiers from the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, on August 6, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
David Zini seen with ultra-Orthodox soldiers from the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, on August 6, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The High Court of Justice says it sees no reason to freeze the entry into office of new Shin Bet chief David Zini while it considers petitions submitted earlier this week asking the court to annul the appointment.

Judge Chaled Kabub notes pointedly that the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, headed by former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis,found no ethical problems with Zini’s appointment, as the petitioners claim, and that the Attorney General’s Office found no legal obstacle.

The petitioners, including government watchdog groups, argued that Zini’s appointment was flawed due to a conflict of interest owing to the Qatargate and Bild investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close aides, and concerns over Zini’s conduct as well.

Kabub does, however, agree to hear the petitions and sets a court hearing for the petitions to be held before the end of November.

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