Israeli PM says new security chief must be appointed 'as soon as possible'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that his pick for the next domestic intelligence chief should be appointed "as soon as possible", but would have no hand in an ongoing investigation into his associates.

Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to make army Major General David Zini the head of Shin Bet, which follows months of legal and political wrangling over his attempt to sack incumbent head Ronen Bar, has already sparked threats of a legal challenge.

“It is imperative to name a permanent head of the Shin Bet as soon as possible,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office, which noted the probe into alleged Qatari influence involving the premier’s advisers.

“The appointed head of the Shin Bet will not be involved at all in these investigations.”