David Zini

Roman Gofman’s Mossad chief appointment signals a paradigm shift - analysis

Every new Mossad chief changes things, closes old departments, opens new ones, and promotes some mid-level commanders to replace portions of the Mossad high command.

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.
Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.

State urges High Court to keep Zini, three others detained after Gaza smuggling case ruling

Bezalel Zini, accused of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip, is seen on a screen at the Beersheba District Court, February 5, 2026

Court orders release Shin Bet chief’s brother, defendants to house arrest in Gaza smuggling case

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Shin Bet chief Zini backs agency's Oct. 7 findings, defying PM narrative


Former Shin Bet commander refuses to appear for October 7 audit with State Comptroller

The IDF and Shin Bet have insisted that only a full state commission of inquiry has the legal authority to examine sensitive operational decisions.

Shin Bet Director David Zini with IDF chief Eyal Zamir at a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025

Shin Bet chief's Zini under scrutiny: Petitioners argue ‘unreasonableness’ of PM's recommendation

Petitions by ex-intel chiefs and others argue Zini's lack of agency experience and flawed vetting compromise the Shin Bet's independence.

 Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024

WATCH: Retamim residents fear for safety after heavy gunfire from nearby Bedouin village

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene, and blamed previous Shin Bet head Ronen Bar for not acting on Bedouin crime.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir talks with residents of Carmit, southern Israel, November 17, 2025.

Lead candidate 'A' for taking over Mossad also has some agency support, 'Post' learns

The 'Post' learned that "A" is not only the leading candidate for Netanyahu, but is also supported by the Mossad. Until he wins the appointment, his name will remain anonymous.

 A woman's shadow is seen over the Mossad logo (illustrative)

Israel's Shin Bet thwarts imminent attacks from West Bank, 40 Bethlehem terrorists arrested

The Shin Bet said it arrested around 40 Palestinian terrorists from Bethlehem in a major bust that thwarted imminent attacks, marking the first large-scale operation under new chief David Zini.

Israeli security forces operate after settlers torched the Al-Hajj Hamida Mosque in the West Bank, November 13, 2025

'No basis' for judicial intervention in Shin Bet chief pick, A-G Baharv-Miara argues

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara formally told the High Court there are “no grounds for judicial intervention” in David Zini's appointment as Shin Bet director, citing a lawful process.

Shin Bet Director David Zini with IDF chief Eyal Zamir at a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025

Shin Bet chief Zini to High Court: Legal challenge against me an effort to 'police opinions'

Zini’s appointment has drawn unusually sharp criticism from within the intelligence community itself. Three former Shin Bet directors joined a petition urging the overturning of the nomination.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

'A fighter with ability to think outside the box’: Netanyahu praises new Shin Bet chief Zini

Netanyahu welcomed new Shin Bet head Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini, praising his leadership and reaffirming Israel’s independent security policy amid controversy over the appointment.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Far Left MK Ofer Cassif calls new Shin Bet chief Zini a 'dangerous jihadist'

Far Left MK Ofer Cassif called new Shin Bet chief Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini a “dangerous jihadist” who seeks “eternal war."

MK Ofer Cassif speaks during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, November 11, 2024.

High Court to hold hearing on Shin Bet appointment next month 

The case will be heard before Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit, Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg and Justice David Mintz.

Israel's High Court of Justice