In a significant operation described by Israeli officials as a ‘systematic and complex’ effort to smuggle illegal cigarettes into Gaza for profit, Bazalel Zini, the brother of David Zini, head of Shin Bet, was apprehended.
According to the indictment, Bazalel Zini is accused of smuggling 14 cartons of cigarettes into Gaza, for which he allegedly received approximately 365,000 shekels (around $117,000). Prosecutors stated that other individuals arrested in this operation are charged with smuggling mobile phones, auto parts, and other goods.The indictment reveals that this smuggling ring included several Israeli reserve soldiers as well as Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza. The smuggling chain reportedly began with suppliers in the West Bank, passed through Israeli warehouses, and ultimately reached Gaza via Israeli military convoys, sometimes during operations.
In other instances, the smuggling was conducted under the guise of operational necessity. The ring allegedly exploited a widespread humanitarian effort aimed at delivering aid and commercial goods to the war-torn region.Shin Bet’s internal security agency warned that such activities pose a ‘significant threat to Israel’s security.’ The agency claimed that the actions of the smugglers directly bolster Hamas and other armed groups in the region.
The State Prosecutor’s Office asserted that the defendants acted ‘for financial gain, fully aware that they were circumventing the restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of goods into Gaza as part of wartime efforts, despite the clear security risks involved.’Asaf Klein, Bazalel Zini’s attorney, stated that his client is innocent of the charges, which include bribery and aiding the enemy during wartime.
David Zini, appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been one of the most controversial appointments in the agency’s history due to his lack of experience in intelligence and what former Shin Bet officials have described as his ‘extreme worldview.’ He was appointed directly from the Israeli army, lacking any prior experience in Shin Bet.The investigation into Bazalel Zini was conducted by the Israeli police due to the familial relationship rather than by Shin Bet. All cases involving other defendants included joint investigations by Shin Bet and the Israeli police.
