JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday named a senior army officer as the next head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, drawing immediate criticism from the attorney general, who warned the appointment was tainted by a conflict of interest.
The Prime Minister's Office said Major General David Zini would succeed Ronen Bar as Shin Bet director. Zini has held a series of senior operational posts in the Israeli military, including with the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces and as head of the Commando Brigade.
Within minutes of the announcement, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a public rebuke, saying Netanyahu had disregarded legal advice and may have made the decision while in a state of conflict of interest.
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"The Prime Minister acted in violation of legal guidance, raising serious concerns that he did so while in a state of conflict of interest, rendering the appointment process fundamentally flawed," she said in a statement.
The warning follows a Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday that found Netanyahu's dismissal of outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was unlawful. The court said Netanyahu's conflict of interest influenced the move due to ongoing investigations involving his associates in the so-called "Qatar-Gate" affair.
Bar's removal came amid growing political fallout over intelligence lapses ahead of the Hamas-led attack on Oct 7, 2023. He had called for a state commission of inquiry into the performance of Israel's security services and government before and during the assault.
Legal challenges to Zini's appointment are expected. Baharav-Miara had cautioned Netanyahu against moving forward until safeguards were in place to ensure the integrity of the selection process.
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Netanyahu is currently standing trial on corruption charges, which he denies. He has repeatedly described the proceedings as politically motivated and part of a "witch hunt."
