Shin Bet Director David Zini told Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg on Thursday that the agency is directly subordinate to him regarding the elections, according to reports. The statement echoes Zini's earlier remarks to President Herzog.
Shin Bet Director David Zini directly told Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg on Thursday morning that the agency is fully subordinate to him regarding the elections, according to reports. The statement came minutes after Zini made a similar declaration to President Isaac Herzog, as The Zioneer reported.
At 11:24 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that President Herzog warned of foreign digital sabotage after a tripartite meeting at the President's Residence, called on Zini's initiative. During that meeting, Zini stated that the Shin Bet is directly subordinate to the election committee. Further reports at 11:37 Jerusalem, cited by Israel Hayom, detailed Zini telling Herzog that he is subordinate to Solberg on election matters, not to the president. The reports have been consistent across multiple outlets, including N12 and N13/Army Radio, with the President's Residence confirming the meeting.
The backdrop to these statements is a broader public debate over the Shin Bet's independence and its relationship with the political echelon, as The Zioneer reported earlier this week. Justice Minister Yariv Levin and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have publicly backed Zini's position, while President Herzog earlier appeared to rebuke Zini, stating that state institutions belong to all.
It remains unclear whether the direct statement to Solberg represents a separate development from the earlier tripartite meeting or a reiteration of the same position. No further details on the timing or context of the direct communication have been reported.
8 developments
- StrongKnesset committee chair sends Shin Bet chief sharp letter ahead of debate on election interference threats
- DevelopingFormer Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen: Netanyahu appointed Zini for loyalty, disregarding 'critical concepts'
- DevelopingHaaretz: Shin Bet chief Zini seeks to remove investigations head over 'harsh treatment' of Jewish terror suspects
- DevelopingSenior Shin Bet officials threaten to resign over Zini's moves
Source and signal
- Internal intake