The deputy head of the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) is stepping down from his post after three decades with Israel’s internal security and counterintelligence service, Hebrew media reported on Wednesday.
Identified only as S., he previously served as acting Shin Bet chief before David Zini’s appointment as director earlier this year.
According to the agency, S. had agreed to remain as deputy temporarily to assist the transition, “until the agency stabilizes.” His resignation comes about two and a half months after Zini assumed the post.
“The head of the Shin Bet expressed his great appreciation to S. for his significant service, in a variety of roles in the field and at headquarters, and for his willingness to serve as his deputy,” the agency said.
His resignation comes amid what Israeli media described as a “crisis of trust” and strained working relations with Zini. A key issue was reportedly S. informing the High Court of Justice that Zini held meetings with a Shin Bet officer who had been arrested on suspicion of leaking internal information.
The official, identified only as A., is accused of passing classified information to Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli and two journalists about a Shin Bet probe into whether extremist Kahanist ideology was taking root in the Israel Police.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked S. on Oct. 5 in a congratulatory statement for Zini, a 51-year-old Jerusalem native and retired Israel Defense Forces major general.
“I congratulate the incoming head of the Shin Bet, Major General (res.) David Zini, and wish him success in the tremendous mission ahead of him. Special thanks to ‘S.,’ the outgoing acting head of the Shin Bet, for his dedicated service, which greatly contributed to safeguarding the security of Israel’s citizens,” the premier said, according to his office.
