‘Problematic’ letter by Shin Bet chief’s wife draws criticism over gender stereotypes – report

Naomi Zini, the wife of Shin Bet chief David Zini, sparks criticism within the security agency after sending a letter addressed to “the wives of the organization’s personnel,” despite roughly half of its members being women, according to the Kan public broadcaster.

“Like you, I have come to carry the burden of Israel’s security, shoulder to shoulder with my husband. I join you – those who have chosen this path for years,” Zini reportedly wrote, describing herself as “a link in the chain of the women of Israel across generations.”

She praised the role of women in supporting the home front, writing that they “cling to life… and set up our homes and our people on their feet in their revival after two thousand years of exile toward a great destiny whose realization we are only at the beginning of.”

The letter draws pushback from the agency’s gender equality commissioner, who says it contains “problematic elements in quite a few respects.”

According to the official, the framing “ignores and effectively excludes a large group of female employees and managers,” whose male partners support them in carrying out their roles in safeguarding Israel’s security.

She also criticizes the exclusion of non-married partners and same-sex couples, adding that “women in 2026 are much more than joy and running the household.”

While acknowledging the letter’s intent to express support during wartime, the commissioner says “the way it was conveyed caused hurt to quite a few people along the way.”