Netanyahu appoints new security chief despite legal advice he can't

ANI: A power struggle between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s legal system escalated when he appointed Maj.-Gen. David Zini as the next director of the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) on Thursday evening.

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The appointment came one day after the High Court of Justice and Attorney General ruled Netanyahu had a conflict of interest in the appointment.

"Maj. Gen. Zini has served in many [Israel Defense Forces] operational positions and commands, including: A fighter in the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, commander of the IDF Golani Brigade Battalion 51, Commander of the Egoz Unit, Commander of the Alexandroni Brigade, founder of the Commando Brigade, and Commander of the Training Command and the General Staff Corps," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Shortly after the announcement, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said she had not been informed and that Netanyahu violated legal guidance.

"There is a serious concern that he acted when he was in a conflict of interest, and the appointment process is flawed," she said.

Legal petitions challenging the appointment are expected to be filed.

On Wednesday night, the High Court ruled against the government's controversial dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar.