Fresh controversy has erupted over reported remarks made by incoming Shin Bet nominee Maj. Gen. David Zini, who, according to leaked accounts, has voiced strong opposition to prioritizing the rescue of Israeli hostages held by Hamas above all else in the ongoing war.
Channel 12 revealed that Zini had sharply disagreed with then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi months ago, allegedly reprimanding him for placing too much emphasis on recovering the captives rather than focusing on eradicating Hamas. “You prioritize the return of the hostages over destroying Hamas,” Zini reportedly told Halevi during a heated exchange.
Several senior defense officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed to the network that Zini has consistently expressed disdain for any potential agreements aimed at securing the hostages’ release. On Friday, Channel 12 reported that Zini bluntly told military peers, “I’m against hostage deals. This is an eternal war.”
These revelations have ignited outrage among hostage advocacy groups, who accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of selecting a candidate who stands in direct opposition to their cause—especially after the dismissal of current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who successfully negotiated for the release of numerous abductees.
The families of those still held captive lashed out, claiming the appointment represents a betrayal of national values. They charged that Netanyahu was deliberately sidelining a Shin Bet director who pursued hostage negotiations in favor of one who flatly rejects them.
Zini’s candidacy remains up in the air. The High Court of Justice recently ruled that Netanyahu had a conflict of interest in terminating Bar, due to ongoing probes involving his close allies and the Shin Bet’s investigative authority. Following the ruling, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara instructed Netanyahu not to proceed with a new appointment while she reviews the legal ramifications.
According to Kan public radio, even Netanyahu’s own confidants are uncertain the nomination will advance, estimating the odds at a mere fifty percent.
Channel 12 reported that Zini’s argument with Halevi took place during a strategy session at the IDF Southern Command, and multiple attendees described the confrontation as vociferous and deeply divisive.
Other defense insiders alleged that Zini has repeatedly shown little concern for the plight of the captives, maintaining a hardline stance against making deals with Hamas.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed alarm at the idea of Zini overseeing efforts related to the hostages, calling the development “deeply disturbing.” In a sharply worded statement, they decried the move as a violation of national unity and moral responsibility: “Appointing a Shin Bet director who places Netanyahu’s war agenda above the safe return of our loved ones only deepens the injustice. It insults every Israeli and defies our most sacred values.”
Forum Haim, another group representing hostage families, called for Zini’s appointment to be immediately rescinded. “Dozens have died in captivity,” the group stated. “Only a negotiated agreement can bring the remaining 58 hostages home.”
The organization accused Netanyahu of abandoning the captives and replacing a successful negotiator with someone ideologically opposed to deals. “Mr. Abandonment Netanyahu ousted the man who secured the return of dozens and now seeks to install someone whose stance contradicts the will of the Israeli people,” they charged.
Netanyahu’s decision to name Zini came just a day after the court’s rebuke and Baharav-Miara’s directive. Nonetheless, the Prime Minister’s Office stood by the announcement, emphasizing Zini’s decades of operational experience and high-ranking IDF roles.
In response to criticism, Netanyahu’s team insisted Friday that Zini would play no part in ongoing investigations into the prime minister’s aides and their alleged connections to Qatar. Adding to the uproar, Zini was relieved of his duties in the IDF on Friday after it emerged he had met with Netanyahu without the knowledge or consent of the current IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
{Matzav.com Israel}