Tel aviv: The deputy head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency has resigned, citing a 'crisis of trust' with the agency's new chief, David Zini, who was appointed from outside the service. Local media reported the resignation on Tuesday, highlighting internal conflicts within the agency.

According to Anadolu Agency, the daily Yedioth Ahronoth cited a Shin Bet statement in which Zini approved the resignation request of his deputy, identified only as 'S'. After 30 years of service within the agency, 'S' decided to step down. The statement noted that it was initially agreed that 'S' would continue as deputy until the agency stabilized and he felt the time was right to resign, though it did not provide further details.

The resignation is reported to have occurred amidst unspecified clashes between 'S' and Zini. Zini's appointment as Shin Bet head was unanimously approved by the Israeli government on September 30, despite opposition from political rivals and former agency officials who were concerned about his military background rather than service within Shin Bet.

Yedioth Ahronoth also revealed that 'S' was strongly opposed to an Israeli attack targeting a Hamas leader in Qatar, an operation in which Shin Bet was significantly involved. The attack resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, contributing to the tensions leading to 'S''s resignation.