Shin Bet Chief David Zini Meets Journalist Yaakov Bardugo Amid Leak Investigation Controversy

Yaakov Bardugo, a journalist from Channel 14, revealed during a live radio broadcast on Galei Yisrael that he recently met with Shin Bet chief David Zini at the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv. Bardugo described the meeting as a private conversation in Zini's office, attended only by himself and Zini's assistant. He recounted discussions about an ongoing investigation into an alleged leak to Channel 12 news, questioning who leaked information to Haaretz newspaper. Bardugo mentioned the hospitality at the meeting, including whiskey and coffee prepared on hot sand, and hinted at confidential disclosures without elaborating.

Following Bardugo's disclosure, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel formally requested clarifications from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief David Zini, and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The organization demanded confirmation of the meeting's occurrence, details on its timing and location, a list of participants, and whether any prior or subsequent contact occurred between Zini and Bardugo.

This revelation comes amid reports in Haaretz that Zini recently sought approval from the Justice Ministry and Attorney General to open an investigation into the alleged leak to Channel 12 concerning the timing of a potential war with Iran. The request reportedly followed pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior ministers, as well as Bardugo's demand to investigate the leak to the rival news channel.