Live Update
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Report: Netanyahu previously passed on appointing David Zini because he was ‘too messianic’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) and IDF Maj. Gen. David Zini at the Tzeelim training base in southern Israel, May 8, 2025. (GPO)
Last year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to appoint IDF Maj. Gen. David Zini to become his military secretary, telling confidants after interviewing him that he was “too messianic,” Haaretz reports.
Zini is a member of the national religious community.
Netanyahu’s wife Sara was pushing for Zini to be appointed the next IDF chief of staff, Haaretz says.
Earlier this evening, Netanyahu announced that he had appointed Zini to become the next head of the Shin Bet.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here