Internal Conflicts Lead to Resignation of Israeli Security Service Deputy After 30 Years

David Zini, head of Israel's internal security service, Shabak, announced on Wednesday the appointment of officer 'N' as his deputy, succeeding officer 'S', who has concluded his 30-year tenure. While this transition appeared to be a routine administrative change, media and security assessments indicate it conceals a deeper crisis of trust within the agency.

A Declared Crisis of Trust

Hebrew media outlets, including Yedioth Ahronoth, reported that the leadership changes at Shabak were prompted by acute, undisclosed conflicts between Zini and his former deputy 'S'. Security sources characterized these disputes as a "significant crisis of trust," which ultimately led to 'S' opting for early retirement. These tensions had reportedly been known within security circles for weeks and were seen as the direct cause of 'S's departure, despite efforts to manage the situation internally.

Zini Denies Rumors

In an attempt to quell speculation, David Zini sought to refute what he termed "rumors," asserting that he had previously agreed with officer 'S' on a transitional period before his departure, which would occur once certain conditions were met. In an official statement, Zini praised 'S' for his contributions, recognizing him as one of the agency's "key leaders" and commending his operational and administrative roles, including his interim leadership following the dismissal of former president Ronen Bar.

Security Conflicts in the West Bank and Jerusalem

Despite the official denial, security sources in Tel Aviv do not rule out that 'S's resignation is tied to fundamental disagreements with Zini regarding sensitive security arrangements in the West Bank and Jerusalem. 'S' is regarded as an experienced field leader, having held significant positions, including coordinator for the Jerusalem region and head of training for field coordinators. He also served as a coordinator for intelligence in Palestinian territories in 1995, as well as in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Who is Officer 'S'?

According to Israeli Channel 7, officer 'S' is 53 years old, married, and a father of three. His extensive career within the agency raises questions about the abrupt nature of his departure among security and media circles.

Officer 'N': From Field to Leadership

Officer 'N', appointed by Zini as the new deputy of Shabak, began his career as a Mustarib in field coordination in the southern region. 'N' has risen through the ranks, holding various operational and administrative roles within the agency, ultimately becoming the head of a regional district. Observers note that this reflects a shift in the new leadership's focus towards individuals with direct operational experience for the upcoming phase.