Netanyahu Orders Shin Bet to Investigate Leak of Iran Operation Timing Despite Head's Opposition

New details emerged regarding the investigation into the leak about the timing of the Israeli operation in Iran, following an unusual statement by Shin Bet. The demand to probe the leak originated from the Prime Minister's Office as early as March, during the "Lion's Roar" operation. Shin Bet chief David Zini initially opposed opening an investigation, arguing that the leak did not meet the criteria for such a probe due to the number of people involved, the severity, and the likelihood of resolving the case. Zini delayed action for months, attempting to avoid the investigation, which Shin Bet conducts only about seven to eight times annually.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who holds the legal authority to order such an investigation, instructed Zini to proceed. About a week ago, the Shin Bet legal advisor informed Zini that given Netanyahu's explicit directive, the investigation must be launched. This sequence of events explains the agency's shift from Zini's earlier position presented to cabinet ministers, where he claimed insufficient means to investigate the leak, to the current official stance to open the inquiry.