Netanyahu Ally Bar-Dugo Caught Lying, Shifts Blame to Shin Bet Chief Zini

Channel 14 commentator and Netanyahu ally Bar-Dugo claimed that Shin Bet chief David Zini ordered an investigation into the leak of the "Lion's Roar" operation details, contradicting reports that security officials initially resisted probing the leak. Bar-Dugo asserted that Zini instructed his investigative and legal teams to open the inquiry despite opposition from the Shin Bet's legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara. He further alleged that security sources had extensive intelligence that could quickly identify the leaker.

However, these claims unraveled after Cabinet meeting transcripts revealed the opposite. Journalist Guy Peleg reported that Zini told ministers there was no basis for an investigation into Channel 12's leak, emphasizing legal and factual constraints. Ynet correspondent Amir Ettinger published quotes from the discussion showing Zini explained the need for legal approval to investigate journalists, citing Supreme Court rulings and the involvement of thousands of people. When Minister Miri Regev pressed about investigating Channel 12, Zini reiterated the legal protections for journalists and the requirement for the legal advisor's consent. Minister Dudi Amsalem challenged Zini's authority, but Zini stressed his obligation to uphold the law.

Following the exposure of Bar-Dugo's false report, he reversed course and began attacking Zini, accusing him of leaking Cabinet discussions to the media and calling for an investigation into Zini himself. On Channel 14, Bar-Dugo criticized Zini's silence during the "Lion's Roar" operation and condemned the leak of Cabinet conversations, stating these actions warranted scrutiny.

The incident highlights tensions within Israel's security establishment and media, with political allies of Prime Minister Netanyahu embroiled in controversy over misinformation and internal leaks during a sensitive military operation.

Summary: Channel 14 commentator Bar-Dugo falsely claimed Shin Bet chief Zini ordered a leak investigation, but Cabinet transcripts disproved this, leading Bar-Dugo to accuse Zini of leaking and call for his investigation.

Points: - Bar-Dugo falsely reported Shin Bet chief Zini ordered an investigation into a major leak. - Cabinet transcripts revealed Zini said no legal grounds existed to probe the leak. - Zini emphasized legal constraints and the need for legal advisor approval to investigate journalists. - After being exposed, Bar-Dugo shifted to attacking Zini and called for his investigation. - The controversy unfolded amid the "Lion's Roar" military operation and media leaks.

Topic: security

Entities: {"people":["David Zini","Gali Baharav-Miara","Miri Regev","Dudi Amsalem","Guy Peleg","Amir Ettinger","Bar-Dugo"],"organizations":["Shin Bet","Channel 14","Channel 12","ynet","Israeli Cabinet"],"places":[]}