Likud Ministers Demand Shin Bet Probe Into Channel 12 Leak, Clash With Head David Zini

During the recent Israeli security cabinet meeting, Likud ministers including Miri Regev and Dudi Amsalem confronted Shin Bet chief David Zini over the agency's refusal to open an investigation into alleged leaks about the timing of Operation "Lion's Roar." The ministers pressed Zini to explain why no probe was initiated against Channel 12 news. A source present described the exchange as a "cross-examination," which escalated after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the session.

Zini responded that with approximately 4,500 individuals privy to the secret, there was no clear lead to pursue. He emphasized that investigating journalists requires approval from the state attorney, which he had not sought and did not expect to receive due to legal constraints. Zini noted that even in more complex cases, he faced similar restrictions. The ministers criticized him for not consulting the legal advisor, to which Zini retorted, "I respect you, but respect yourselves."

The discussion grew heated, with Regev questioning the lack of investigation into Channel 12, and Amsalem demanding that the Shin Bet chief should have authority over the legal advisor. Zini firmly stated he was bound by law and invited the ministers to change it if they disagreed. The debate included sarcastic remarks about the involvement of prominent journalists and references to the National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's police forces. Zini explained the difficulty of tracing leaks among thousands of insiders and the absence of any concrete leads.

Despite the ministers' dissatisfaction, Zini maintained that the legal framework and the scale of the leak made investigation impractical. After the official meeting ended, ministers Regev and Gilah Gamliel approached Zini again to inquire about potential future actions. The Shin Bet declined to comment further, stating they do not address discussions held in closed sessions.