Shin Bet Chief Cancels Pride Events and Redirects LGBT Programming Budget

Sources told N12 that the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) abruptly canceled its planned annual Pride Month event and several related internal initiatives after orders from agency head David Zini. Organizers said preparations were already underway when they were informed of the cancellation and received no clear explanation.

Those involved in planning said a range of modest workplace displays and activities were blocked, including changing computer screensavers, adding a banner to screens, issuing stickers and displaying pride flags. The agency's head of Human Resources was reportedly instructed to transfer the entire budget for pride-related events and programs into the Shin Bet's general budget, effectively removing separate funding for LGBT programming.

Responding to inquiries, the Shin Bet told N12 that "no official request on this subject has reached the office of the head of the service." The agency added: "To the extent that a particular group wishes to gather and hear a lecture of its choosing, there is no impediment, provided that this complies with the service's procedures, which have not been changed in this area since the current head of the service took office."

Reactions

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli welcomed the decision, arguing that national security bodies should not be used to promote gender or LGBTQ agendas. He wrote on X/Twitter:

People take part in the annual Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv, June 12, 2026. (credit: FLASH90)

"The IDF and Shin Bet are not universities, nor are they political organizations. Their role is one: to safeguard Israel's security!"

By contrast, Democrats chairman Yair Golan criticized Zini's move, saying the LGBTQ community is not a security threat:

"Discrimination, extremism, and messianism are the threat. The Shin Bet must be a home for everyone who serves the state with loyalty and professionalism - regardless of their identity."

The Aguda Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel said it was "shocked" and demanded that Zini reverse the decision, urging the agency to focus on national security rather than excluding or silencing employees. The group also cited Section 7A of the General Security Service Law, reminding officials that "the Service is tasked with safeguarding the state's security, the democratic regime and its institutions."

The cancellation has sparked debate about the role of security agencies in workplace inclusion initiatives and the balance between institutional neutrality and employees' rights to recognition and support. While sources say internal gatherings may still proceed under existing procedures, the transfer of funding signals a significant scaling back of official LGBT programming within the agency.

Reports are based on N12 sources and the Shin Bet's official response; further developments may follow as political and civil-society actors react.