From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Suspect in Gaza smuggling investigation is relative of Shin Bet chief, court reveals
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The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court clears for publication the fact that one suspect in an ongoing investigation into smuggling goods into Gaza is a close relative of Shin Bet chief David Zini.
The court says in a statement that the “wide-ranging security incident” is being investigated, including allegations that “multiple suspects transferred goods from Israel to Gaza in exchange for money.”
While one of the suspects is a relative of Zini, the court stresses that “the Shin Bet chief has no involvement whatsoever in the suspected acts.”
However, due to the family connection, “the investigation of the suspect is being conducted by the Israel Police rather than by the Shin Bet.”
Earlier this week, Haaretz reported that the probe implicates soldiers, civilians and security agencies as being involved in a widespread smuggling ring.
The Times of Israel Community.