Israeli Security Chief Orders Immediate Probe into Leak of Iran Operation Timing

An unprecedented confrontation occurred during the Israeli cabinet meeting last Thursday night over the investigation into the leak of the start date of Operation "Roaring Tiger" to the media. According to Channel 14, after sharp criticism from several government ministers over delays, Shin Bet chief David Zini bypassed the Attorney General and the agency’s legal advisors, who had refused to approve the investigation, and ordered an immediate comprehensive inquiry.

During the meeting, several ministers harshly criticized Zini and questioned why the leak to Channel 12 was not being investigated despite direct orders from Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Defense Minister. In response, Zini revealed to the ministers that the obstruction came from the head of the Shin Bet investigations division and the agency’s legal counsel, acting under the direct instruction of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

The revelation caused significant discontent among attendees, and under government pressure, Zini decided to proceed with the investigation immediately, despite Baharav-Miara’s dissenting legal opinion and internal opposition. Security officials now possess intelligence from multiple sources that could directly identify the illegal leaker.

This case has raised serious concerns among senior officials about how such a critical security leak investigation, considered one of the most severe in Israel’s history, required legal approvals while lives and operational security were at risk. The Shin Bet stated it would not comment on closed-door discussions but affirmed it would continue pursuing the investigation until the leaker endangering national security is found.