National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued a full statement Tuesday night backing Shin Bet Director David Zini, according to i24NEWS. Ben Gvir said Zini's statement that he is subordinate to the elected branch reflects a basic democratic principle, and criticized the legal system. The article by Amiel Yarchi expands on earlier reports of the backing.
Late Tuesday night, i24NEWS published a full article by Amiel Yarchi detailing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's statement backing Shin Bet Director David Zini. Ben Gvir is quoted as saying that Zini's subordination to the elected branch is 'the basic thing in a democratic state,' and he criticized the legal system, calling the Supreme Court and Attorney General's response 'madness.' The article also includes excerpts from leaked recordings of Zini, first reported by i24, in which he describes human rights as 'nonsense in disguise.' The Shin Bet later published excerpts from Zini's speech following the exposure.
In a series of reports published at 23:35 Jerusalem, The Zioneer tracked the story's evolution Tuesday evening: first, Ben Gvir praised an unnamed senior security official for declaring subordination to the elected branch; then he added the biblical phrase 'Fear not, David'; next, he attacked the left and judiciary; finally, Channel 12 identified the official as Zini. Earlier at 21:35 Jerusalem, i24 had published the leaked recordings of Zini, which prompted the Shin Bet to release its own excerpts.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the broader controversy surrounding Zini. On July 6, Haaretz reported that Zini sought to remove the head of the agency's Investigations Department over a 'harsh treatment' approach toward Jewish suspects. On June 30, Channel 14 called for an investigation into Zini, alleging he fabricated a probe. The leaked recordings have further fueled political debate over the agency's independence and Zini's leadership.
It remains unclear whether Ben Gvir's endorsement will mitigate the political pressure on Zini or prompt further responses from the legal system. The full scope of the leaked recordings and their impact on Zini's tenure also remain to be seen.
4 developments
- StrongZini expands on criticism of elected officials, says law mandates subordination to government
- StrongShin Bet chief Zini: 'The reason I felt more fit was the ability to be loyal to the elected government'
- DevelopingBen Gvir accuses attorney general of using Shin Bet to spy on him, vows to complete judicial reform
- DevelopingLeaked recordings: Shin Bet chief Zini called human rights 'nonsense in disguise'
Source and signal
- Internal intake