Netanyahu announced the appointment of David Zini as Shin Bet chief last week, replacing the ousted Ronen Bar.

Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the appointment of Maj. Gen. David Zini, as the head of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security service, is “invalid and unlawful,” The Times of Israel reported on Monday.

Baharav-Miara emphasized in her statement to the prime minister, whom she described as being “in a conflict of interest,” cannot play any role in appointing a new Shin Bet chief.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his appointment of hardline Shin Bet chief David Zini on Monday.

The attorney general called the appointment “invalid and unlawful”. Shin Bet officials reportedly threatened to quit, calling Zini “messianic”. pic.twitter.com/7y3vojdO01

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) May 27, 2025

She said Netanyahu’s decision to select Zini for the position was while ignoring determinations in the [High Court] ruling and legal instructions,” and is therefore “invalid and unlawful,” according to the paper.

Her legal opinion, published in a statement amid mounting controversy in Israel following Netanyahu’s announcement of Zini’s appointment, comes as critics accuse the prime minister of politically motivated decision-making, the Anadolu news agency reported.

‘Conflict of Interest’

Baharav-Miara wrote that he is “deeply entangled in a serious conflict of interest regarding the appointment of the new Shin Bet chief” and that he “acted in violation of a Supreme Court decision, deliberately breaching binding legal directives.”

The conflict of interest stems from the fact that the Shin Bet is involved in ongoing investigations into two cases linked to Netanyahu’s associates.

Netanyahu’s Appointment of David Zini to Shin Bet Triggers Institutional Dispute

The attorney general concluded that the decision to appoint Zini, made under such circumstances, is “invalid and unlawful.”

“In the future, the Prime Minister must refrain—directly or indirectly—from being involved in appointing the next Shin Bet chief or acting chief, at least until investigations into the relevant cases are concluded,” she reportedly added.

To ensure the continuity of the Shin Bet’s work and a proper appointment process, Baharav-Miara said the legal solution is to transfer the authority of appointment to another minister, who will present a candidate to the government, which is the authorized body for such decisions.

‘Fundamental Flaws’

She also said that “due to the fundamental flaws in the dismissal and appointment procedures and concerns that the minister granted this authority might effectively serve as a tool for the Prime Minister, this situation carries serious legal consequences in two key areas.”

Netanyahu Appoints Zini to Head Shin Bet, Ignites Protests, Legal Backlash

“First: The appointment process must be restarted from the beginning, following strict rules that prevent the inclusion of improper considerations. Second: There is serious doubt as to whether Major General Zini can be appointed to the post at all,” she added.

Angry Reactions

The attorney general’s statement drew angry reactions, with several ministers from the right-wing coalition launching fierce attacks against her.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi wrote on X that “trying to prevent a prime minister from appointing a Shin Bet head during wartime harms national security — she should be brought to justice immediately after she is ousted.”

לנסות למנוע מראש הממשלה בשעת מלחמה למנות ראש שב״כ זו פגיעה בבטחון המדינה – יש למצות איתה את הדין מיד לאחר הדחתה.

חוות הדעת הזו היא בניגוד מוחלט לחוק, לדמוקרטיה ולשכל הישר. אסור להכיר בה או בחוות דעתה בכלל – היא בניגוד עניינים מובנה בשל הליך הדחתה.

המצב הזה לא יכול להימשך. כל…

— 🇮🇱שלמה קרעי – Shlomo Karhi (@shlomo_karhi) May 26, 2025

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu reportedly wrote on X that “it’s time for Baharav-Miara to hand over the keys.”

“The era of bureaucratic rule under her leadership—repeatedly threatening Israel’s security and undermining public trust in state institutions—must end,” Eliyahu added.

Knesset Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz reportedly said “the political Attorney General is trying to block the appointment of a senior figure to a sensitive position in Israel, purely as part of her war against the government. The Prime Minister must proceed, Zini must be appointed, and Baharav-Miara must go home.”

Education Minister Yoav Kisch also accused the attorney general of “compromising national security,” calling her “a political player whose sole purpose is toppling the government,” and demanding that Zini’s appointment go ahead.

Supreme Court Ruling

Netanyahu announced the appointment of Zini as Shin Bet chief last week, replacing the ousted Ronen Bar.

Israel’s Supreme Court ruled on May 21 that the government’s decision to remove Bar was unlawful.

Netanyahu—wanted by the International Criminal Court—justified Bar’s dismissal by citing “a lack of trust” following the fallout from the October 7, 2023, resistance operation.

Bar hinted that the decision was politically motivated, saying it was because he refused to pledge “personal loyalty” to Netanyahu.

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The Supreme Court ruled that Bar’s dismissal “was carried out improperly, illegally and amid a conflict of interest by the Prime Minister,” according to Israel’s Channel 13, Anadolu reported.

On March 20, the government decided to remove Bar, with the dismissal set to take effect on April 10.

However, the court issued a temporary injunction preventing his dismissal or the announcement of a replacement until it reviewed opposition petitions against the decision.

Nevertheless, on April 28, Bar announced that he would step down from his position on June 15.

(Anadolu, PC)