In a bold and controversial move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the appointment of Maj. Gen. David Zini as the next head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).

The appointment was made public on Thursday despite legal and political objections, including a recent High Court ruling and resistance from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who claims Netanyahu is in a conflict of interest due to his involvement in the “Qatargate” affair.

Zini, a decorated IDF officer, brings decades of operational experience and leadership in some of Israel’s most elite military units.