Netanyahu Ally Admits Pressuring Shin Bet Chief to Investigate Channel 12 Leak

Yaakov Bardugo, a political operative close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly acknowledged meeting with Shin Bet chief David Zini to urge him to open an investigation against Channel 12. The meeting took place in Zini's office, where Bardugo discussed the so-called "Roar of the Lion" leak and pressed for an inquiry. Bardugo described the unusual setting of the meeting, mentioning a hospitality room with a waiter and whiskey bottles, and said he questioned Zini extensively about the investigation.

Initially, Zini was reluctant to launch an investigation, arguing there was no basis for it due to the large number of people with access to the classified information (over 4,500) and journalistic confidentiality protections. He even confronted cabinet ministers who pushed for the probe. However, after sustained pressure from Bardugo, allied ministers, and Channel 14, Zini changed his stance and referred the matter to the Shin Bet legal advisor.

Bardugo also called publicly for an investigation into Zini himself, accusing the Shin Bet chief of avoiding the probe. The controversy arose amid reports that Channel 14 refrained from broadcasting during an Iranian attack, unlike other channels including Channel 12. Bardugo's revelations were first reported by Haaretz journalist Josh Breiner, confirming the extraordinary nature of the meeting and the political pressure exerted on the Shin Bet leadership.

This episode highlights the intense political maneuvering surrounding media investigations in Israel, with Netanyahu's allies actively seeking to influence security agency decisions. The Shin Bet's eventual decision to consider an investigation marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the leak and media coverage.