Executive Summary

         David Zini began his term as the new Shin Bet chief on 5 October 2025, succeeding Ronen Bar. The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, oversees counterterrorism and internal intelligence operations, making the position one of the most influential roles in Israel’s national security establishment. Zini’s appointment has been marked by controversy and has raised questions about the direction of Israel’s security policy, particularly regarding its approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Zini’s appointment reflects the growing politicisation of Israel’s security institutions under Prime Minister Netanyahu, consolidating political influence over Israel‘s security apparatus and prioritising loyalty over professional merit. Furthermore, he is expected to adopt a hardline, operationally focused approach to security, favouring direct action over diplomatic engagement or intelligence-led assessment. Additionally, his appointment is also likely to heighten internal tensions within Israel’s security apparatus, amid unease over his far-right Zionist leanings. 

Profile

Education

• Peres Academic Center, Rehovot: Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management. [source]
• Master’s degree in National Security, Argaman Institute, Jerusalem. [source]
• Graduate, National Defense University (NDU), Washington, D.C. [source]

Military Service

• 1992: Began service in the IDF,  beginning his service in the elite General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, Sayeret Matkal, ranked as a commander. [source]
• 2006-2008: Commander, 51st Battalion, Golani Brigade. [source]
• 2008-2010: Led the “Egoz” Unit (elite commando unit). [source]
• 2011-2014: Commanded the “Kfir” Brigade (3rd Battalion). [source]
• 2013: Served as commander of the National Training Center. [source]
• 2014: Played a key role in Operation Protective Edge, leading forces in combat zones. [source]
• 2014-2015: Served as a senior officer in the Operations Directorate. [source]
• 2015-2017: Returned to command the 89th Commando Battalion. [source]
• 2018-2020: Led the 340th Division. [source]
• 2020-2022: Again served as commander of the National Training Center at Tze’elim. [source]
• 2023-2025: Headed the General Staff Corps, overseeing training and operational readiness. [source]
• 5 October 2025: Head of the Shin Bet, succeeding Ronen Bar. [source, source]

Important Ties/Networks

• He is reported to be closely associated with Rabbi Zvi Thau, the spiritual leader of the Noam party. The party is known to be far-right even among rightist Israeli parties. Its members stand accused of hatred toward women, non-Jews, the LGBTQ+ community and secular Jews. [source, source, source]
• His brother, Bezalel is one of the founders of Noam, and his father (Rabbi Yosef Zini) joined Noam in 2021. [source, source]

Political Affiliations

• David Zini holds a religious-Zionist, far-right nationalist orientation, rooted in Israel’s religious settler movement. [source, source]
• One military source told Haaretz that the IDF chief “always avoided giving him a significant command role” due to concerns about Zini’s “nationalist temperament and extremism.” [source, source]

Religious Affiliation

• David Zini is affiliated with Religious Zionism, a movement that blends Orthodox Jewish beliefs with strong nationalist ideology and often emphasises a ‘messianic’ worldview. [source]

Controversies

• Zini has been widely criticised for holding a far-right, messianic-nationalist worldview and for his reported association with Rabbi Zvi Thau’s Noam party, part of Israel’s ultra-conservative religious right. [source, source]
• He reportedly stated that he was “against hostage deals” and described the Gaza conflict as “an eternal war,” remarks seen as evidence of a hardline and uncompromising stance. [source]
• Furthermore, his wife, Naomi Zini, has drawn controversy for saying that “demolishing homes in Gaza is a mitzvah [divine commandment]” which reinforced perceptions of religious extremism within his family. [source]
• His appointment as head of the Shin Bet has prompted widespread concern, with many warning it could deepen the politicisation of Israel’s internal security establishment. [source, source]

Personal Life

• Zini was born into a Zionist family of Algerian origin. [source]
• He lives in the Keshit settlement in the occupied Golan Heights. [source]
• He is married to Naomi Zini, and has 11 children. [source, source]
• His father is Rabbi Yosef Zini, a neighborhood rabbi in Ashdod. [source]
• His sister, Bracha Zini, has spoken publicly about his upbringing and the role their parents played in supporting him when he was rejected from some religious schools due to his behaviour. [source]
• His brother, Shmuel Zini, reportedly has business/personal ties to American billionaire Simon Falic, a known Netanyahu supporter. [source]