Report: PM’s only conversation with Zini about Shin Bet post was during brief car chat 2 weeks ago

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu only held one brief conversation with IDF Maj. Gen. David Zini before appointing him to be the next Shin Bet chief yesterday, Channel 12 reports.

The conversation came on May 8 during a visit Netanyahu made to the Tzeelim military base where an IDF exercise was taking place.

At the end of the drill, Netanyahu pulled Zini aside for a brief walk during which they discussed the issue of Haredi enlistment, since Zini is one of the IDF’s point people on the issue.

Netanyahu then told Zini to come inside his car. After five more minutes of chatting, Bibi asked Zini how he’d feel about being appointed Shin Bet chief.

Zini responded that he’d prefer remaining a major general in the army but that if Netanyahu was going to insist, he’d agree to head the Shin Bet.

That night, Zini updated the IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s aide that he had a conversation with Netanyahu, without elaborating on what was said.

Three days later, Zini called Zamir and noted that Netanyahu during their conversation had thrown out the idea of him serving as Shin Bet chief, but Zini didn’t lead Zamir to think that it was a serious offer.

Still, Zamir criticized Zini for speaking with the political echelon without authorization, as is required.

Almost two weeks passed, and Zamir received a call from Netanyahu yesterday evening during which the premier informed him that he had decided to appoint Zini as the next Shin Bet chief.

Zamir expressed his concern about Zini’s qualifications, given that he doesn’t come from the Shin Bet or intelligence world, and also about how the appointment was made, Channel 12 reports.

Zamir then called Zini and raised those concerns directly as well. The two agreed to meet this morning, during which Zamir told Zini he wouldn’t be able to remain in the IDF as long as the appointment stands, while leaving open the door to a return if it doesn’t move forward.

Zini is slated to replace current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar next month, unless the High Court of Justice intervenes.

Channel 12 notes that Zini told Zamir that he didn’t have any other conversations with Netanyahu about being appointed Shin Bet chief other than the brief one in the premier’s car.