David Zini

Former Shin Bet official: Sara Netanyahu's request for lifetime security is 'delusional'

The prime minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, requested a security detail for the rest of her life. Yaron Blum argued that the request did not reflect reality.

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minester Netanyahu at Amunition Hill on Jerusalem Day 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara tour in Tel Gezer and Magshimim Forest together with their sons Yair and Avner, during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, October 21, 2016

Netanyahu's wife, sons to receive extended Shin Bet protection, PM granted lifelong security

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wife Sara Netanyahu (L), and sons Yair and Avner Netanyahu.

Shin Bet chief approves lifelong security detail for PM Netanyahu's wife Sara - report

 View of Sara Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Sara Netanyahu requests Shin Bet security for her family, regardless of election outcome - report


State urges High Court to keep Zini, three others detained after Gaza smuggling case ruling

A hearing was set for Wednesday at 5 p.m. before Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz. 

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.

Court orders release Shin Bet chief’s brother, defendants to house arrest in Gaza smuggling case

In Zini’s case, Gabizon wrote that while a detention ground still exists in principle, the danger can be neutralized through full house arrest, supervision, and additional restrictions.

Bezalel Zini, accused of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip, is seen on a screen at the Beersheba District Court, February 5, 2026

Shin Bet chief Zini backs agency's Oct. 7 findings, defying PM narrative

Zini's siding with his agency's findings in its probe of October 7 against the prime minister's narrative is the first public break between the two after Zini remained silent on the issue for months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Shin Bet employee indicted in Gaza smuggling affair alongside Bezalel Zini

State Attorney’s Office confirms charges in Lod District Court • Gag order remains in place.

Trucks carry aid for Palestinians, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 14, 2025.

Former Shin Bet chiefs, officials call out Netanyahu, Zini for 'conspiracies against Ronen Bar'

"We express astonishment at the silence of the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, in light of the unprecedented slander against former head of the service, Ronen Bar," the published letter said.

 ILLUSTRATION: Benjamin Netanyahu and Ronen Bar

Zini affair highlights the security and political costs of Gaza smuggling - opinion

Cigarette smuggling into Gaza becomes a national scandal as family ties, security doctrine, and politics collide.

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.

Shin Bet chief's brother indicted for aiding Hamas during wartime in Gaza smuggling case

Zini, along with others, was charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, prohibited dealings in property for terror purposes, obtaining something by aggravated fraud, and accepting bribes.

Bezalel Zini, accused of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip, is seen on a screen at the Beersheba District Court, February 5, 2026

'Systematic, sophisticated operation': How millions of goods were smuggled into Gaza - explainer

According to the Southern District Attorney’s Office, this was an “organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation of various goods into the Gaza Strip in exchange for financial gain.”

Two suspects arrested after smuggling 80,000 cigarettes disguised as tissues.

Millions given to Gaza, Hamas: Twelve indicted in Gaza smuggling operation

The accused are believed to have been responsible for smuggling millions of shekels' worth of goods into Gaza for Hamas, both while the Gaza war was still ongoing and after the ceasefire began. 

HUNDREDS OF packets of cigarettes being smuggled.

Brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza

David Zini's father, Rabbi Yosef Zini, claimed that authorities' true target is not brother Bezalel, but the Shin Bet chief himself: "Most of the public understands this well."

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.