'Eternal War,' Netanyahu’s Shin Bet Nominee Opposed Hostage Deals, Reports Say
As reported by Haaretz, Zini declared in closed discussions with the IDF General Staff: "I oppose hostage deals – this is an eternal war."
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's choice to lead the Shin Bet domestic security agency has ignited a storm of criticism amid reports that the nominee, army general David Zini, staunchly opposed hostage deals during high-level military discussions. The controversy centers on allegations that Netanyahu is replacing a security chief who supported hostage negotiations with one who resolutely opposes them, signaling a potential hardline shift in Israel's Gaza policy.
As reported by Haaretz, Zini declared in closed discussions with the IDF General Staff: "I oppose hostage deals – this is an eternal war." His stance, reportedly repeated throughout the war, prioritized military victory over Hamas above any negotiations for the release of hostages.
According to Israeli Channel 12, Zini's views sparked repeated clashes with other senior officers during internal discussions, particularly concerning how to handle the ongoing hostage crisis. His nomination has intensified fears among hostage families that the government is moving away from efforts to secure the return of the remaining captives.
The Forum For Life, a group comprised of families of hostages still held by Hamas, called for Zini's appointment to be revoked immediately. "The IDF's offensive in Gaza led to the deaths of 41 hostages. Only an agreement will bring back the 58 who have been suffering in Hamas tunnels for 595 days," the group stated. "Mr. Abandonment Netanyahu ousted the Shin Bet chief who returned dozens of hostages, replacing him with someone who opposes their release, against the will of most Israelis."
Individual family members also expressed outrage on social media. Natali Zangauker, whose brother Matan has been held in Gaza for 595 days, wrote: "I don't count on you to bring my brother or any hostages home. I don't count on you to protect our brave soldiers who risk their lives to create the conditions for a deal and end this war."
Vicky Cohen, mother of abducted soldier Nimrod, added: "It started with appointing Minister Dermer to lead the anti-deal team. Now they want a Shin Bet chief who opposes any hostage agreements. What can we say? Nothing. We're tearing our hair out."
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called Zini's reported remarks "shocking and deserving of full condemnation – especially from someone who may soon determine the fate of the hostages." They warned that the appointment reflects a prioritization of political and military objectives over humanitarian concerns: "Appointing a Shin Bet chief who prioritizes Netanyahu's war over returning hostages is not just a mistake – it's a betrayal of the Israeli people."
Amid the mounting criticism, Member of Knesset Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff who once commanded Zini, publicly urged him to reject the appointment. In an open letter, Eisenkot wrote: "The prime minister is jeopardizing the hard-won achievements of this war through ongoing, unfocused fighting with outdated goals. I commanded you for most of your military service. I respect your operational abilities and courage, and I know you have the wisdom to choose the right path… In a time lacking worthy leaders – be one."
The nomination has also drawn scrutiny from Israel's legal establishment. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has warned Netanyahu not to proceed with naming a new Shin Bet chief until proper legal protections are in place. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that Netanyahu faces a conflict of interest in dismissing current Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, who has been credited with overseeing successful hostage rescue operations.
The unfolding controversy, as detailed in Haaretz, lays bare the deep divisions within Israeli leadership over the course of the Gaza war and the handling of the hostage crisis. For many families of those still held captive, Zini's reported stance is emblematic of a government more committed to a protracted military campaign than to ending the suffering of its own citizens held in enemy hands.
