Shin Bet Chief Rejects Cabinet Ministers’ Demand to Investigate Media Leak Without Legal Approval

During the latest Israeli cabinet meeting, a tense exchange occurred between Shin Bet chief David Zini and several Likud ministers, including Miri Regev and Dudi Amsalem, over the failure to open an investigation into a leak to Channel 12 regarding the timing of Operation "Lion's Roar." The ministers demanded to know why no probe had been initiated against the news outlet. A source present described the confrontation as a "cross-examination." The discussion took place as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the session.

Zini responded that no investigation could proceed without the Attorney General's approval, citing that over 4,500 individuals had access to the classified information, making it impossible to identify a lead. He emphasized that even in more complex cases, legal restrictions prevented him from pursuing journalists without such authorization. The ministers criticized Zini for not consulting the legal advisor on this matter. Zini retorted, "I respect you, but respect yourselves."

The dialogue included Regev asking about the investigation into Channel 12, to which Zini replied that the Supreme Court prohibits investigating journalists without legal approval and that no evidence or legal clearance existed. Amsalem argued that the Shin Bet chief should have authority over the Attorney General, but Zini insisted he was bound by law and invited the ministers to change it if they disagreed. The ministers also compared Zini’s approach unfavorably to his predecessor’s.

Zini explained that the leak occurred long ago and the request to investigate came months later, with thousands of potential sources involved, often through third parties. He noted that without a clear lead, no request for legal approval could be made. When asked if he had approached the Attorney General, Zini confirmed he had not received permission even for more serious cases. After the meeting, ministers including Regev and Gila Gamliel questioned him again, confirming no legal consultation had been sought.

The Shin Bet declined to comment on the closed-door discussion. This episode highlights ongoing tensions between security agencies and government ministers over media leaks and legal constraints on investigations involving journalists.