February 4, 2026
The brother of the head of the Shin Bet is suspected of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip
תמונות: בצלאל זיני, שימוש לפי סעיף 27א בחוק זכויות יוצרים. דוד זיני, ויקיפדיה.
Bezalel Zini is one of 16 suspects in the case of goods smuggling into the Gaza Strip.
Bezalel is the brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini.
According to the suspicion, he smuggled cigarettes into Gaza in exchange for money.
Due to his connection to the head of the Shin Bet, the police are leading the investigation and not the Shin Bet.
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Bezalel has been in custody for about two weeks. The police say there is an intention to file an indictment against him in the coming days.
The suspicions against Bezalel include aiding the enemy during wartime. The security system explains that in many cases, Hamas takes control of goods that reach its territory. They sell them and use the proceeds to pay operatives. The judge said the suspicions are serious. But he emphasized that they pertain to the smuggling of cigarettes and not military equipment.
Bezalel's father said, 'It is not him they want to bring down, but David (the head of the Shin Bet).' Another brother in the family said, 'The truth will come to light.'