David Zini

Mossad chief, Shin Bet head visited UAE to coordinate during Operation Roaring Lion - report

The report comes just after the WSJ published that the UAE was behind some of the recent strikes against Iranian assets, such as the attacks on Lavan Island's refinery at the beginning of April.

Mossad chief David Barnea (L) and Shin Bet chief David Zini at a Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem's Old City, April 20, 2026.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks to the media outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, April 15, 2026.

Ben-Gvir demands urgent action to expel illegal immigrants in southern Tel Aviv and beyond

The new chief of the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet, David Zini, participates in the state memorial ceremony for the 07 of October 2023 on Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem, 16 October 2025.

Shin Bet to change 'Qatargate' opinion says Urich, Feldstein didn't harm state security - report

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Roman Gofman’s Mossad chief appointment signals a paradigm shift - analysis


State urges High Court to keep Zini, three others detained after Gaza smuggling case ruling

A hearing was set for Wednesday at 5 p.m. before Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz. 

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.

Court orders release Shin Bet chief’s brother, defendants to house arrest in Gaza smuggling case

In Zini’s case, Gabizon wrote that while a detention ground still exists in principle, the danger can be neutralized through full house arrest, supervision, and additional restrictions.

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 Zini backs agency's Oct. 7 findings, defying PM narrative

Zini's siding with his agency's findings in its probe of October 7 against the prime minister's narrative is the first public break between the two after Zini remained silent on the issue for months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Shin Bet employee indicted in Gaza smuggling affair alongside Bezalel Zini

State Attorney’s Office confirms charges in Lod District Court • Gag order remains in place.

Trucks carry aid for Palestinians, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 14, 2025.

Former Shin Bet chiefs, officials call out Netanyahu, Zini for 'conspiracies against Ronen Bar'

"We express astonishment at the silence of the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, in light of the unprecedented slander against former head of the service, Ronen Bar," the published letter said.

 ILLUSTRATION: Benjamin Netanyahu and Ronen Bar

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.

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

Zini, along with others, was charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, prohibited dealings in property for terror purposes, obtaining something by aggravated fraud, and accepting bribes.

Bezalel Zini, accused of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip, is seen on a screen at the Beersheba District Court, February 5, 2026

'Systematic, sophisticated operation': How millions of goods were smuggled into Gaza - explainer

According to the Southern District Attorney’s Office, this was an “organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation of various goods into the Gaza Strip in exchange for financial gain.”

Two suspects arrested after smuggling 80,000 cigarettes disguised as tissues.

Millions given to Gaza, Hamas: Twelve indicted in Gaza smuggling operation

The accused are believed to have been responsible for smuggling millions of shekels' worth of goods into Gaza for Hamas, both while the Gaza war was still ongoing and after the ceasefire began. 

HUNDREDS OF packets of cigarettes being smuggled.

Brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza

David Zini's father, Rabbi Yosef Zini, claimed that authorities' true target is not brother Bezalel, but the Shin Bet chief himself: "Most of the public understands this well."

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.