PM Netanyahu speaks at the welcoming ceremony for ISA Director David Zini
Israel - Prime Minister's Office
Type: Events and Speeches
Government: The 37th Government
Publish Date: 23.10.2025
Prime Minister Netanyahu at the welcoming ceremony for Director of the ISA David Zini: "The United States is interested in a strong and independent Israel. We will accomplish all the goals of the war".
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu took part today in the welcoming ceremony for the Director of the ISA, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini, that was held at the Prime Minister's Office. Also taking part in the ceremony were the Speaker of the Knesset, ministers, members of the Knesset, heads of the security apparatus, top ISA officials, family members and friends.
From the remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"We are not taking our eyes off the scoreboard: we will not allow our enemies, who wish to rearm, to harm us. We will multiply our strength, we will act to return home all of our deceased hostages, we will accomplish all the goals of the war - and God willing, we will achieve a total victory!
I must tell you: I heard the latest claim - another ridiculous claim - that Israel isn't the one who determines its own security policy.
So here's the truth: as both I and Vice President JD Vance said yesterday, we are partners. We work together. I will reveal another thing to you: the United States is interested in a strong and independent Israel, absolutely. This is based on conversations with President Trump, and on conversation with his entire immediate team. They want a strong and independent Israel. Israel that is capable of defending itself, acting decisively, creatively and independently in order to protect itself. And when Israel is protecting itself - it also protects the whole area.
From the low point of October 7th, the ISA climbed up - besides removing the existential threat, we restored our deterrence, by both offense and defense. We did that with hundreds of terrorist acts that were foiled each year: around 1000 preventions. It's a mind-boggling number!
New ISA Director, David Zini - you are following up on dozens of years of army service in various roles. You have crafted a most impressive career in the IDF battle apparatus - as a fighter, a commander, a top officer and a major-general in the General Staff. And at every point, at every junction, you made your mark. I have heard your friends say: "I would like Zini at my side in battle". There's no greater compliment! No greater compliment! I was impressed with your mission focus, your commitment to the mission, your bravery and your humility. And I should say, also with the ability to foresee things, to anticipate them with correctly, and with the ability to think - as the saying goes - outside of the box.
The Jewish-Zionist, state-minded upbringing that your parents have instilled in you - has borne fruit. And here's something I wasn't aware of, and learned as I was preparing these remarks - it also comes from the grandparents. I knew about that in general terms, but I have now heard the story of your grandmother Rachel, a survivor of Auschwitz, standing up proudly to the oppressor. She said to her barrack mates in Auschwitz, who were overcome with despair - listen to those words: "Auschwitz is a temporary thing. We come from a nation of princesses who shall return to their domain".
The ISA operational activities will face tough challenges, some of them are developing rapidly. The ISA under your leadership will be placed at the cutting edge of the security work, and that is why I say to you, Director of the ISA David Zini, on my behalf, on behalf of the Government of Israel, on behalf of the State of Israel - may you be blessed with success, for the security of Israel, and for the eternity of Israel!"
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