Brother of Shin Bet chief faces charges in Gaza smuggling affair

2026-02-03 - 14:59

An indictment is set to be filed against Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini, as part of a smuggling network from Israel to Gaza. A prosecutor's statement is expected to be submitted in the coming days to the Ashkelon Magistrates' Court. On Wednesday, indictments are expected to be filed against 13 other suspects involved in the case. Because of the family connection, and despite the fact that the investigation is also being handled by the Shin Bet security agency, the Shin Bet chief recused himself from any involvement in the investigation concerning his brother. The police are handling that part of the case. "In light of the family connection, the suspect's investigation is being conducted by Israel Police and not by the Shin Bet," authorities said. Shin Bet chief David Zini. Photo by Moshe Shai Zini himself is not suspected of any involvement in the affair.