IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir finalized Maj.-Gen. David Zini’s retirement from the IDF after being summoned for a conversation in his office on Friday, following Zini’s appointment as Shin Bet head, the military announced.
The conversation was intended to clarify whether Zini had conducted negotiations behind Zamir’s back in light of the prime minister’s announcement about the appointment.
His retirement from military service is expected in the coming days, according to an IDF statement.
The statement stressed that any communication by IDF personnel with the political echelon requires the approval of the chief of staff.
According to military commands, an officer is forbidden from conducting discussions with the political echelon without the knowledge and approval of the chief of staff.
Appointment as new Shin Bet head
Zamir was notified of Zini’s appointment just minutes before it was announced publicly and did not take part in the decision-making process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet on Thursday evening.
Netanyahu’s office’s announcement was made despite a High Court ruling that the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar was unlawful due to Netanyahu’s conflict of interest in the “Qatargate” affair, and despite the opposition of Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara.
This is a developing story.
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