Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael SecurityAnalysis In leaked recordings published this week, Zini confirmed what was clear: His loyalty is to 'elected officials,' not to the public or the law. The enormously powerful Shin Bet wields far-reaching authorities, and it must be led with the utmost cautionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeGidi Weitz12:44 AM • July 09 2026 IDTJust before the current Shin Bet chief David Zini took his post last year, Haaretz reported on statements he made in closed conversations with senior security and defense officials, saying "The judicial system is a dictatorship that controls the entire country." Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:Shin BetIsraeli politicsBenjamin NetanyahuDavid ZiniCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Israel NewsU.S.-IranTrumpWest BankGaza ChickenpoxGraham PlatnerIsrael ProtestsHaQuizHaaretz PodcastEvery Day That 'Loyal' Shin Bet Head Zini Remains in Power Is One Day Too ManyRelease His Father: The Doctor Israel Has Left to DieIsrael's Illegally Appointed Watchdog Must Speak OutAIPAC Favorite Takes Aim at Netanyahu in Michigan Senate DebateTrump Praises Erdogan as 'Very Good Ally,' Signals Openness to Turkey F-35 SaleRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIIsrael Has Long Ignored Warnings of a 'Diplomatic Tsunami.' Now It Has ArrivedDumber Than a 10-year-old: Are Israeli Students Really That Stupid?An Israeli Principal Desegregated a Tel Aviv School. Here's What HappenedAs Israel Lacks Hundreds of Patrol Officers, West Bank Staff DoublesThe 'Special Relationship' Is Gone, and Israel Isn't Ready for What's ComingRep. Dan Goldman Says Support for Israel Cost Him New York Democratic Primary