Former Shin Bet chief explains: Why did he meet with David Zini - and what did he tell him?

Former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon said at a protest in Habima Square that he met with current Shin Bet chief David Zini and discussed with him the suspicion of foreign interference in the elections. Ayalon called Zini "brave" for initiating the meeting, and told him that a security service that undermines public trust has failed in its mission.

Former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon said that he met last week with current Shin Bet chief David Zini, and discussed with him the affair of suspected foreign interference in the 2026 elections. Ayalon spoke at a protest in Habima Square in Tel Aviv, and noted that he was invited to the meeting in Zini's office and could not refuse. He called Zini "brave" for initiating the meeting despite Ayalon's critical view of his appointment. Ayalon told Zini that a security service that operates in a way that undermines public trust in the democratic process has failed in its most important mission – protecting the democratic regime. He compared the refusal to meet to a refusal to serve in reserve duty during a crisis, and emphasized that the IDF and the security service must be above all controversy.