Defense Minister Approves Shin Bet Secrecy Order in Gaza Smuggling Case

Defense Minister Israel Katz has signed a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) secrecy certificate related to the criminal proceedings against Bezalel Zini in a case involving the smuggling of goods into Gaza. This certificate prevents certain evidence from being disclosed to the defense, as it could reveal sensitive investigation methods and tools without significantly benefiting the accused. The move allows the criminal proceedings to move forward after a two-month delay awaiting the minister's signature. Minister Katz also signed four additional Shin Bet secrecy certificates for other criminal cases.

Previously, in March, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the prosecution, ruling that the defendants in the Gaza smuggling case, including Bezalel Zini, would not be held in custody until the proceedings concluded and would be released to alternative detention arrangements. This decision upheld rulings by the Beersheba District Court, which had previously found insufficient prima facie evidence for the security offenses attributed to them.

The case involves 15 defendants accused of smuggling goods, primarily cigarette cartons and mobile phones, from Israel to Gaza between August and December 2025. Some of the accused were active reserve soldiers, and the smuggling allegedly exploited transit systems and involved false representations. The state claims these operations generated millions of shekels in profits for some defendants.

In February, investigative transcripts of Bezalel Zini, a key suspect and brother of the Shin Bet chief, were revealed. Despite the serious accusations, some Knesset members reportedly contributed to funding Zini's defense. The prosecution's initial stance, led by Amit Issman, included the severe charge of aiding an enemy during wartime, a charge the case's legal team believed was excessive and legally unsubstantiated, arguing it did not meet the threshold for such a grave offense, which carries a potential death penalty. However, this severe charge remained in the final indictment.