Jerusalem: Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appointment of Maj. Gen. David Zini as the new head of the Shin Bet internal security service as ‘invalid and unlawful.’
According to Anadolu Agency, Baharav-Miara emphasized that Netanyahu is in a ‘conflict of interest’ and cannot be involved in the appointment process of the Shin Bet chief.
Her legal opinion was issued in response to Netanyahu’s controversial decision to appoint Zini, with critics accusing the prime minister of political motivations. Baharav-Miara’s statement pointed out that Netanyahu is ‘deeply entangled in a serious conflict of interest’ related to ongoing Shin Bet investigations into two cases involving his associates. The attorney general asserted that the appointment decision violates a Supreme Court ruling and binding legal directives.
Baharav-Miara suggested that to maintain the integrity of the Shin Bet’s operations and appointment process, the authority to appoint its chief should be transferred to another minister. This minister would then present a candidate to the government, which is the authorized decision-making body. She highlighted ‘fundamental flaws’ in the current appointment procedures and expressed concerns about the potential influence of the prime minister.
The attorney general’s statement incited strong reactions from Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition ministers. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi accused Baharav-Miara of harming national security, while Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu called for her resignation. Knesset Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz and Education Minister Yoav Kisch also criticized Baharav-Miara, alleging political bias and urging Zini’s appointment to proceed.
Netanyahu’s announcement of Zini as Shin Bet chief came after the ousting of Ronen Bar. Israel’s Supreme Court had previously ruled that Bar’s removal was unlawful, citing a ‘lack of trust’ following the October 7 Hamas attacks as the reason for his dismissal. Bar suggested his removal was politically motivated, as he refused to pledge ‘personal loyalty’ to Netanyahu.
The Israeli army continues its offensive against Gaza, with significant loss of life reported. Internationally, Netanyahu faces arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also under scrutiny at the International Court of Justice for alleged war crimes against civilians.