'Enormous harm to Israel': Over 200 former Shin Bet employees against Zini's appointment

According to a letter seen by N12, the employees stated that Zini’s beliefs regarding the judicial system would harm the balance between Israel’s security needs and Jerusalem’s democratic values.

Some 260 former employees of the Shin Bet (Israel's Security Agency) said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pick to lead the organization, David Zini, was dangerous for Israel, N12 reported on Tuesday evening.

According to a letter seen by N12, the employees stated that Zini’s beliefs regarding the judicial system would harm the balance between Israel’s security needs and Jerusalem’s democratic values.

The employees wrote that they feared that in the event of a potential conflict between the Supreme Court’s decision and the Prime Minister's instructions, Zini would not follow the rule of law.

“The head of the Shin Bet must be loyal to the public, not to any political figure or minister, and should serve as an example of adherence to the laws of the state and its government institutions,” the letter reads.

The former employees also stated that they were concerned about Zini’s acceptance of the appointment after Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara advised that Netanyahu should not appoint the next Shin Bet chief.

Former Shin Bet employees say Zini 'could cause enormous harm to the State of Israel'

The letter also raised concerns about Zini’s personal ties to Netanyahu affecting his potential decisions over the Qatargate investigation.

The signatories urged the committee to seriously reconsider whether Zini is suited for the role and potentially block his appointment.

"Each of these three issues, if proven, is a reason to disqualify Zini’s candidacy for the position.

"The Shin Bet is an essential organization for preserving Israel's security and democracy, and damage to this delicate fabric could cause enormous harm to the State of Israel."