Khaberni - The Israeli newspaper Haaretz has disclosed the existence of a real trust crisis between the head of the Shin Bet David Zeini, and senior officials in the agency’s leadership.
The newspaper quoted sources and security officials within the Shin Bet, saying that the basis of the crisis lies in what is seen within the agency as Zeini’s lack of understanding of professional issues, alongside his "style that leads to tense working relationships".
Haaretz mentioned that one of its sources cited an incident that occurred shortly after Zeini was appointed as head of the Shin Bet. Zeini had contacted the head of the investigation department in the agency and asked to meet with one of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) detainees under investigation.
The source mentioned that during the meeting, Zeini sat opposite the detained individual and asked him a question that surprised many of the top officials of the agency.
He said, "Zeini asked the detained person how he could still not change his mind after Hamas failed on October 7?"
The source clarified that Zeini’s question "clearly showed that he does not understand at all the nature of Hamas, and the extremist ideology it adopts."
Hostile Atmosphere
The reporter in the newspaper said that almost all of his sources described the atmosphere in the Shin Bet under Zeini as "hostile", and some spoke of a "military style of communication".
According to the sources, these relationships go back to Zeini’s tendency to silence those who disagree with him, and his ongoing refusal to listen to different viewpoints in discussions.
One agency worker described him as "dismissive, quick-tempered, and acting like a squad leader with his subordinates". Another added, "out of nowhere, he can suddenly say 'fuck you' during a discussion, and can behave in a very vulgar manner."
The newspaper relayed testimonials from other employees about Zeini’s contempt for them, including his interruptions during discussions and his impatience with them.
One of them said, "The sovereignty of the Shin Bet has not been broken, but it is on its way there."
Real Division
Haaretz reported that conversations with various sources revealed a worrying picture. According to their description, the crisis is so deep that it can be considered to have led to a real division within the Shin Bet, resulting in the formation of two main camps: one led by Zeini and his deputy, and the other by the heads of battalions and squads.
One of the sources described the deputy head of the Shin Bet as the only person Zeini listens to, "and that's a problem".
"Zeini, who lacks any experience in the Shin Bet, made him the most powerful person in the agency. This is a highly sensitive situation and could also be dangerous," he added.
The newspaper says that the agency fears that Zeini's approach could damage one of its most sensitive units: the research department responsible for forming different opinions on intelligence matters.
It also pointed to the ongoing tension between Zeini and the legal advisor of the Shin Bet. According to several sources, Zeini often acts contrary to the advisor's opinions, and sometimes, when forced to act according to his recommendations, he does not hide his criticisms.
