Brother of Shin Bet Chief Seeks Family Visit Amid Legal Case

Bezalel Zini, brother of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief, who is facing charges in a smuggling case involving Gaza, submitted an unusual request to leave his house arrest for a six-hour family visit. Zini asked to visit his brother's home in the Har Homa neighborhood of Jerusalem during the intermediate days of the Passover holiday.

The prosecution approved other requests from Zini, including consultations with his lawyer and medical treatments. However, they are opposing the request for a family visit, despite Zini's lawyers arguing that similar requests for family gatherings, especially during holidays, have been approved in the past.

Last week, Zini requested to be released from house arrest, where he has been held for approximately six months. His lawyers stated that Zini has no intention of complicating matters due to his brother's position as head of the Shin Bet.

This development comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings against Bezalel Zini. Previously, the State Attorney's Office confirmed the rest of Zini's requests submitted in the same document, including a meeting with his lawyer and medical treatments. The prosecution, however, opposes the family visit request.