The Shin Bet is currently investigating allegations involving the prime minister’s closest aides, who are suspected of operating on behalf of Qatar during wartime negotiations—casting doubt on the integrity of the Prime Minister’s Office in hostage release talks.
So what truly lay behind the hasty and irregular nomination? Was Netanyahu genuinely interested in appointing Zini, or was this another calculated move in his broader battle against the legal system?
To make matters worse, Netanyahu then submitted the appointment to the cabinet for approval—before any proper vetting had taken place. This maneuver effectively implicated all government ministers in a conflict of interest by forcing a premature vote on a legally compromised appointment.
Had Netanyahu truly intended for Zini to lead the Shin Bet, he could have stepped aside and allowed one of his ministers to present the nomination—quietly signaling his preference behind the scenes. His political allies would likely have followed his lead without resistance.
Instead, he doubled down. Rather than seeking legal advice, Netanyahu declared that Zini would be barred from overseeing the investigation into what has become known as Qatargate—a probe into suspected misconduct by Prime Minister’s Office staff. This, too, was a legal overreach.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled that Netanyahu could not dismiss outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar due to his conflict of interest. That ruling underscores the prime minister’s lack of authority to dictate who leads sensitive investigations tied to his office.
Netanyahu’s behavior can be interpreted in two ways: either he never truly wanted Zini to lead the Shin Bet, or he was using the appointment to provoke a direct confrontation with Israel’s judiciary and Supreme Court.
In either scenario, Netanyahu may believe he comes out ahead. If the court blocks the appointment, he can bolster his long-running narrative that the so-called “deep state” is undermining his leadership—a claim that energizes his base. But if he pushes forward and defies the court, it could signal the most severe blow yet to Israeli democracy and the rule of law.
Though the latter outcome may seem extreme, Netanyahu has been laying the groundwork for such a clash throughout his current term. It would be unwise to rule it out entirely.
