The Israeli Supreme Court has been engaged in a contentious hearing regarding the appointment of David Zini as the new head of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency. The session has faced multiple interruptions, including shouting, applause, and disruptions from attendees, which led to warnings from the presiding judge and temporary suspension of the hearing. The court's deliberations have been marked by conflicting positions among those present, including members of the government coalition and Knesset representatives. The controversy centers on allegations of conflict of interest and the authority to appoint the Shin Bet chief, with far-right ministers asserting that the appointment power lies exclusively with the Israeli government. The hearing was suspended multiple times due to disturbances and intervention by security forces, including the removal of a protester supporting Zini. The Supreme Court has now granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the legal advisor six days to reach an agreement on the appointment to avoid a court ruling. Netanyahu's choice, David Zini, has been quoted as stating that agency heads must prioritize obeying the prime minister over adhering strictly to the law. The debate occurs amid heightened tensions related to the Gaza conflict and increased legal scrutiny of Netanyahu's administration. Additionally, there are reports of the Shin Bet investigating and intimidating Arab activists following political developments in the Knesset. The Supreme Court's handling of the case has drawn criticism from far-right Israeli ministers, who accuse the court of overstepping its authority.
Far-right Israeli ministers attack Supreme Court as it hears challenge to PM Netanyahu’s bid to name new Shin Bet chief amid Gaza war and rising legal scrutiny https://t.co/kz20e5f6uV
After the Knesset began proceedings to depose Ayman Odeh, the head of the Hadash party, the Shin Bet began to investigate and intimidate Arab activists in the organization. A student at the University of Haifa who is a member of the organization was summoned for a Shin Bet
The High Court has set a deadline for a resolution on Netanyahu's appointment of Zini as Shin Bet head, amid tensions over conflicts of interest and security. @sarahbennun reports https://t.co/XAxMQ4hfqu