Shin Bet

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.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ministers and MK's attend a Special Session in his Honor of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 26, 2026.

Netanyahu releases pre-Oct. 7 intel documents, claims defense echelon urged keeping Hamas in power

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

IDF soldiers operate in the Khan Yunis area of the Gaza Strip, February 1, 2026.

'What is happening in Gaza is a complete failure by IDF,' military expert says - interview


WATCH: IDF arrests over 60 suspects in West Bank, including 18 suspected Hamas affiliates

Weeklong operations across six West Bank brigades targeted terror cells, weapons manufacturing, and incitement, the IDF said.

Security forces operate in the West Bank, November 21, 2025.

Detained Hamas terrorist knew where Hadar Goldin's remains held - IDF, Shin Bet

Goldin's remains were returned by Hamas via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) earlier this month as part of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace deal.

Security forces apprehend Marwan al-Hamas, November 20, 2025.

Netanyahu calls emergency meeting as violence by Jewish extremists escalates

Netanyahu held the meeting with the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police as settlers attacked Huwara, also amid criticism of the security establishment's failure to prevent West Bank violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ministers and MK's attend a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 10, 2025.

Israeli arrested in espionage plot, accused of carrying out missions for Iranian agents

According to the police and Shin Bet, the suspect was aware he was operating under the direction of Iranian agents and that his actions could harm state security.

 The silhouette of a man, seen over the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran (illustrative)

WATCH: Five soldiers, add'l civilians arrested for involvement in weapons smuggling network

Over the past month, security forces arrested multiple Israeli and Syrian civilians for their involvement in the network, which smuggled various types of weapons from Syria into Israel.

 IDF soldiers operate on Mount Hermon, on the border between Israel and Syria, December 12, 2024

Shin Bet chief's Zini under scrutiny: Petitioners argue ‘unreasonableness’ of PM's recommendation

Petitions by ex-intel chiefs and others argue Zini's lack of agency experience and flawed vetting compromise the Shin Bet's independence.

 Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024

WATCH: Retamim residents fear for safety after heavy gunfire from nearby Bedouin village

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene, and blamed previous Shin Bet head Ronen Bar for not acting on Bedouin crime.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir talks with residents of Carmit, southern Israel, November 17, 2025.

Palestinian terrorist shot dead by IDF paratroopers during operations in West Bank camp

Three Palestinians were reportedly injured during the IDF's operation in al-Fara, according to the Palestinian Authority-run WAFA news outlet.

Israeli security forces operate after settlers torched the Al-Hajj Hamida Mosque in the West Bank, November 13, 2025

IDF kills West Bank terrorist who threw explosive device at Israeli soldiers

Additionally, on Saturday night, Border police and IDF soldiers arrested two suspected terrorists in Kalkilya in an undercover operation.

 IDF soldiers operate in Nablus, in the West Bank, November 29, 2024.

Israeli man indicted for Iran espionage, used reservist girlfriend to collect IDF intelligence

Shimon Azarzar and his girlfriend were arrested in October on suspicion of acting under Iranian direction to gather intelligence and carry out tasks.

 The silhouette of a person, with Iran's flag in the background (illustrative).