In a commentary published Wednesday, Shai Kelch argued that Shin Bet Director David Zini was correct in asserting his subordination to the elected government, and criticized former IDF chief and current MK Gadi Eisenkot for remaining silent. Kelch framed the issue as a clash between right-wing and left-wing conceptions of democracy.
Political commentator Shai Kelch published an opinion piece Wednesday defending Shin Bet Director David Zini's assertion that the agency is subordinate to the elected government, and criticizing former IDF Chief of Staff and current MK Gadi Eisenkot for staying silent on the issue. Kelch argued that the controversy reflects a deeper divide: the right views democracy as popular sovereignty through elected officials, while the left, in his view, seeks to transfer power to unelected bodies. He called on those who believe in democracy to stand with Zini.
As The Zioneer has reported in recent days, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have also issued statements backing Zini. Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, meanwhile, said the primary loyalty of security bodies is to the state and its citizens.
2 developments
- DevelopingAnalysis: Zini's 'loyalty to elected branch' remark sparks political storm, says Yaara Zered
- ConfirmedBen Gvir backs Shin Bet chief Zini in full article: 'Subordination to elected branch is basic in a democracy'
- DevelopingLeaked recordings: Shin Bet chief Zini called human rights 'nonsense in disguise'
- StrongShin Bet chief Zini: 'The reason I felt more fit was the ability to be loyal to the elected government'
Source and signal
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- Internal intake