‘We are all messianic’: Israeli spy chief embraces right-wing zealotry in speech

An Israeli general linked to far-right circles has publicly embraced religious nationalism in his retirement speech, declaring messianism a national virtue - despite having been rejected for a top military post over concerns about his ideological leanings.

David Zini, recently appointed as the new head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, told attendees at his farewell from the army on Friday: “Messianism is not a derogatory word. We are all messianics, just like David Ben Gurion and the founding fathers of the nation.”

His remarks have drawn renewed scrutiny over the growing influence of religious extremism inside Israel’s military and security institutions, a trend critics warn is deepening under the far-right government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In January, Haaretz reported that Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister’s wife, had lobbied for Zini to be named chief of staff of the Israeli army. But Netanyahu ultimately blocked the appointment, reportedly telling close associates that Zini was “too messianic”.