A court on Thursday cleared for publication that a relative of Shin Bet chief David Zini is suspected in a major investigation into the smuggling of goods into Gaza, with the value of the shipments estimated at millions of shekels. The court stressed that Zini himself is not suspected of any involvement.
In its decision, the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court said the case involves a multi-suspect security investigation into the transfer of goods from within the country into Gaza in exchange for money. Because of the family connection, the court said, the suspect related to Zini is being investigated by police rather than the Shin Bet.
“Given the stated relationship, the investigation of the suspect is being conducted by the police and not by the Shin Bet,” the court ruling said, adding that the Shin Bet chief has no connection to the allegations.
The ruling followed days of reports about a “new security affair” under a sweeping gag order. Earlier this week, the court allowed publication that a wide-ranging probe into the smuggling of goods into Gaza is being conducted by the Southern District police major crimes unit, with assistance from the Shin Bet.
Police on Thursday submitted prosecutorial declarations against 13 suspects, signaling their intention to file indictments in the coming days. No decision has yet been made regarding additional suspects, including the relative of the Shin Bet chief, who remains in custody.
Security officials have acknowledged in recent weeks that thousands of items were smuggled into Gaza over the past year, in some cases reaching Hamas, despite the territory being under a full military blockade.
Some of the smuggled goods are believed to have generated revenue for Hamas, including tobacco products, which are banned from entry into Gaza and therefore command high prices. Other items under investigation include dual-use materials such as batteries, which can serve civilian purposes but may also be used for military activity.
While some batteries were approved for entry for humanitarian needs and international aid organizations, officials say Hamas attempted to seize them. Other batteries are suspected of having entered through illicit routes and could be used to power tunnels and military command centers as the organization rebuilds its capabilities.
The case has drawn public attention following statements by the Shin Bet chief’s father, Yosef Zini, who wrote earlier this week in a private messaging group that the allegations against his family member were fabricated and intended to harm the suspect and the family. In media interviews, he described the affair as politically motivated and compared it to previous controversial security cases.
During a recent meeting of the security cabinet, David Zini warned ministers that smuggling into Gaza remains a serious problem and called for stricter security measures. According to officials present, he urged moving inspection points closer to the Rafah crossing to prevent the unloading of equipment between checkpoints.
A vetting committee that approved Zini’s appointment last September noted that if information arises involving close family members, a Shin Bet chief must recuse himself from handling the matter. In extreme cases involving serious wrongdoing, the committee said, failure to do so could justify ending a term in office due to a severe conflict of interest and damage to public trust.