Former War Cabinet Minister Eisenkot: 'Appointment of Shin Bet chief has become a farce'

Knesset Member Gadi Eisenkot commented on Sunday on the appointment of IDF Major General David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet, known officially as Israel Security Agency, during an interview on "This Morning" with Arieh Golan on Kan Reshet Bet.

The former IDF chief and minister of the War Cabinet said: “The problem is the one making the appointment – not the one being appointed. The main issue is a prime minister who claims to have been monitoring him as prime minister for 18 years – that’s a joke.”

“Appointing a Shin Bet chief during wartime has become a farce,” Eisenkot said, “and the fact that he [Netanyahu] held a 5-minute phone conversation in a car during a training exercise in Tze’elim says everything about him.”

He also criticized Netanyahu’s conduct: “He was told he’s in a conflict of interest, and he’s incapable of doing the right thing. This is part of a worldview aimed at fueling friction with the judicial system.”

The former chief IDF spoke about his long acquaintance with Zini: “I’ve known him for 28 years; he was one of my outstanding company commanders. I promoted him over the years, including for the establishment of the Commando Brigade and his appointment as a division commander.”

However, he explained why he addressed him in a public letter urging him not to accept the appointment: “In this role, I wouldn’t recommend just any general. I know the people well – their strengths and weaknesses. I respect him greatly and don’t want to harm him.”

Meanwhile, Eisenkot also addressed a controversial statement by Democratic Union Chair Yair Golan on Kan Reshet Bet, in which Golan said, “A sane country doesn’t kill babies as a hobby.”

Eisenkot said he does not rule out sitting in a government with Golan: “It was a very unfortunate statement, to say the least. I’m glad he clarified and stated firmly that Israel has not committed war crimes. He is a patriotic Israeli who wants the best for the State of Israel – I certainly wouldn’t disqualify someone like him.”

On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his decision to appoint Zini, the current commander of the IDF’s Depth Corps, as the next head of the Shin Bet.

This decision went against the advice of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who stated Netanyahu “cannot make an appointment until the legal review of the matter is completed.”

Zini’s name has previously been mentioned as enjoying the support of Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu.

The morning after Netanyahu’s announcement, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir summoned Zini for a “clarification meeting,” and shortly afterward the IDF announced that Zini was being dismissed from military service.

“Chief of Staff Zamir agreed with Major General Zini on his retirement from military service in the coming days and expressed appreciation for his significant and long-standing combat service,” the statement read.

Zamir also clarified: “Any contact between IDF personnel and political officials requires the chief of staff’s approval.”

Kan News reported last night that people close to Netanyahu are not certain the appointment of Zini as Shin Bet chief will be finalized. A source close to Netanyahu said: “The chances of the appointment going through are 50%.”