The incoming head of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency has provoked a wave of public anger after reportedly opposing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Major General David Zini, whose appointment was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, is said to have made the controversial remark — “I’m against hostage deals. This is an eternal war.” — during a closed meeting of the IDF General Staff. It remains unclear when the comment was made or whether it was quoted verbatim, according to local reports.
Zini’s appointment has already drawn scrutiny, as it came in defiance of Israel’s attorney general. The backlash intensified after families of the hostages denounced his reported stance, accusing him of insensitivity and undermining hopes for their loved ones’ safe return.
Posting on X, the Forum of Hostages’ Families expressed outrage, stating: “If the report is correct, then these are horrifying and contemptible words coming from someone who is set to determine the fate of the hostages.”
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Natali Zangauker, sister of hostage Matan Zangauker, posted: “I’m ashamed of the general’s words. I’m not counting on you to bring back my brother and the rest of the hostages. Not counting on you to protect the lives of our soldiers who are going in to secure conditions for the blood prime minister to make a deal and end the war.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s administration is facing legal challenges over the appointment. In March, the High Court ruled that the prime minister had acted in a conflict of interest by attempting to oust current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, as Bar was overseeing probes into alleged links between Netanyahu’s top aides and Qatar, a key financial backer of Hamas.
In response to growing criticism, Netanyahu’s office stated on Friday that Zini would not be involved in any matters pertaining to the Qatar investigation.
Later the same day, the Israeli military announced that Zini had been relieved of his current command post. The statement said he had agreed to resign, although earlier reports had suggested that Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had dismissed him.
Despite the uproar, Zini remains in line to formally take over from Ronen Bar as Shin Bet chief next month, unless the High Court intervenes.
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