Shin Bet Chief Agrees to Probe Leak Allegations Against Channel 12 After Cabinet Pressure

Shin Bet Chief David Zini yielded to pressure from cabinet ministers and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by requesting government legal counsel Gali Baharav-Miara to approve an investigation into Channel 12 regarding allegations of leaks about the timing of Operation "Lion's Roar." The call for an inquiry followed demands from ministers, including Yaakov Bardugo, a Netanyahu ally, who insisted on probing claims that the channel received advance information about the operation's launch.

Initially, Zini resisted the ministers' demands, citing the involvement of approximately 4,500 individuals with access to the secret and the absence of a clear lead. He emphasized that investigations involving journalists require legal approval, referencing Supreme Court rulings that restrict probing media personnel without such consent. Zini also noted that even in more complex cases, he faced limitations and would not seek approval without clear grounds.

During a cabinet discussion, tensions rose as ministers questioned Zini's reluctance. Minister Miri Regev asked about the status of the investigation, while Minister Ofir Akunis criticized the legal constraints. Zini responded that the law binds him and suggested legislative changes if ministers want broader investigative powers. The exchange included pointed remarks about the difficulty of identifying leakers among thousands and the procedural hurdles involved.

Ultimately, Zini agreed to pursue the investigation after the legal advisor's approval, marking a shift from his earlier stance. The debate highlighted the challenges of balancing national security secrecy, media freedom, and legal frameworks in Israel's intelligence operations.