Shin Bet chief said to visit France for security talks amid violent rioting

Shin Bet chief David Zini traveled to France for security talks on terrorism and Islamic extremism amid violent rioting in French cities. The visit, planned before the unrest, included meetings with French intelligence agencies. Prime Minister Netanyahu blamed extremist Muslims for the riots, which began over soaring prices.

Shin Bet chief David Zini traveled to France for security talks on terrorism and Islamic extremism, according to a Wednesday report by Kan public broadcaster. The visit came after weekend demonstrations in France that began over soaring prices and escalated into severe street violence. Zini's Tuesday visit had been planned before the rioting. He met with senior figures in France's DGSI and DGSE security agencies. Kan speculated that the Shin Bet's reputation for foiling terror attacks and intelligence gathering interested the French. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview that French leaders had failed to prepare for the unrest, claiming it was fueled by extremist Muslims, despite the diverse mix of protesters. Kan reported that security cooperation has continued despite a diplomatic crisis. France recognized a Palestinian state and imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements; Israel halted defense procurement from France. The unrest threatens to continue, with organizers calling for new protests next Saturday.