Shin Bet Chief Requests Approval to Investigate Leak of Iran War Timing to Channel 12

Shin Bet chief David Zini recently asked the Israeli Ministry of Justice for permission from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to investigate an alleged leak to Channel 12 regarding the timing of Israel's war on Iran, according to Haaretz. This request followed intense pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior ministers, and Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo, who has persistently demanded a probe into the leak to the rival broadcaster.

A security source revealed that Shin Bet sought the Attorney General's approval only after a harsh ministerial attack against Zini during a recent Security Cabinet meeting. Despite this, Shin Bet officials believe such approval is unlikely to be granted. During the meeting, Transportation Minister Miri Regev questioned why Shin Bet was delaying the investigation, to which Zini responded that the event occurred long ago, involved over 4,500 people with access to the secret, and that a practical investigation would be futile. He also noted that probing media organizations requires the Attorney General's consent, which is not expected.

Zini's response sparked anger among ministers. Minister David Amsalem criticized Zini, comparing the situation unfavorably to previous Shin Bet leadership and dismissing arguments about personnel changes. Last month, Netanyahu demanded that Zini investigate how Channel 12 knew the exact timing of the Iran operation. Defense Minister Israel Katz also attempted to involve the Security System Supervisor (MALMAB) in the investigation, but Shin Bet did not pursue it.

Yaakov Bardugo has been leading the campaign to investigate the leak since the war began in late February. He questioned who in the state or security apparatus briefed Channel 12, noting that anchor Yonit Levi was already on air at 8:16 AM on the day of the attack. Netanyahu reportedly called the leak a "criminal leak" that endangered the operation. Bardugo recently disclosed he met privately with Zini and his assistant to discuss the issue. The Shin Bet declined to comment to Haaretz on the matter.