New Shin Bet leader Zini tells president he will rise above politics

President Isaac Herzog hosts new Shin Bet chief David Zini and his family at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, telling the former general that Israel expects him to safeguard the nation’s values.

“We want security, we want peace, we want tranquility in Israeli society, and we want to preserve both the functioning of Israeli society and the values of the state,” says Herzog, according to a statement from his spokesperson.

Zini, appointed by Benjamin Netanyahu to replace Ronen Bar after the Shin Bet opened a probe into the Prime Minister’s Office, is a controversial figure with self-described “messianic” views. He has also reportedly said during private discussions with former senior security officials that “the judicial system is a dictatorship that rules Israel.”

“You begin your tenure with an important national mission, at a complex time with numerous challenges and tasks,” Herzog tells him. “You come with immense experience in the field of security and in other areas connected to it. I know your good character and your skills, and I am certain you will succeed in your mission.”

Zini stresses national unity and non-partisan dedication to the state in his response.

“I explained to my children the symbol we are standing in front of, and I explained to them what statesmanship means — what the institution of the presidency represents and fulfills in its apolitical role, which rises above all divisions,” says Zini.

“By virtue of what we discovered here 2,000 years ago — we returned only through unity, through our deep roots and our great future. We will act with statesmanship, with loyalty to this people, to this state, to its values, to all its shades and facets, with complete faithfulness and in great unity, and with deep comradeship for the security of the state and its citizens.”