Israeli government approves appointment of new head of Shin Bet

(Reuters) -The Israeli government on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of Major General David Zini as the new head of the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

Netanyahu announced Zini's appointment in May. Zini, who was appointed for a five-year term, will assume duties on October 5.

Zini replaces Ronen Bar, who stepped down in June, announcing his resignation in April after Netanyahu had said that he was sacking him. Israel's Supreme Court later ruled that decision as "illegal and contrary to law," according to Israeli media.

The Shin Bet, which handles counter-terrorism investigations, has been at the centre of a growing political battle pitting Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government against an array of critics ranging from members of the security establishment to families of hostages in Gaza.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Mark Portger)

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