David Zini
David Zini is a retired Israel Defense Forces major general, who is serving as the head of the Shin Bet since 5 October 2025. Formerly he served as the head of Training Command and the commander of the General Staff Corps. He also held positions such as the commander of Malach, the commander of the Company and Battalion Commanders Course, the commander of the Idan Formation, the founder and commander of the Oz Brigade, the commander of the Fire Training Center at Malach, the commander of the Alexandroni Brigade, the commander of the Egoz Unit, and the commander of the 51st Battalion.
Standing...
Stories...
Jul 16, 2026
Far Right
Shin Bet chief David Zini is credited by Ben Gvir for linking the drop in terror attacks to harsher prison conditions for security prisoners.
Religious Zionists see Zini as a professional ally who supports tough measures against Palestinian prisoners, reinforcing their trust in the security establishment when aligned with their policies.
Jul 13, 2026
Center
Shin Bet chief David Zini is under fire from far-right figures who accuse him of being a Kahanist for intervening in settler violence, while facing criticism from the left for his past.
Yesh Atid sees Zini as caught in the middle of a dangerous normalization of extremism, but also respects his willingness to act against settler violence despite political pressure.
Jun 25, 2026
Center
As new Shin Bet chief, ordered the dismantling of a 7/10 victim memorial and shut down the agency's LGBTQ group, citing focus on core mission.
Yesh Atid sees Zini's moves as politicizing the Shin Bet and pandering to the far-right, undermining morale and professionalism.