Netanyahu Orders Shin Bet to Investigate Leak Despite Chief's Opposition

Following an unusual announcement by the Shin Bet about investigating a leak to Channel 12 concerning an attack in Iran, it emerged that Shin Bet chief David Zini initially opposed opening the investigation. Zini argued that the leak did not justify a Shin Bet probe due to the number of people involved, the severity, and the low chance of solving the case. The demand to investigate the leak came from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office during Operation "Roaring Lion" in March. Zini deliberately delayed the investigation, understanding it did not meet the criteria for a leak probe, which Shin Bet conducts about 7-8 times a year for secret information leaks.

For months, Zini resisted the pressure to start the investigation. Ultimately, Netanyahu, who has the authority to order such an inquiry, instructed Zini to proceed. About a week ago, the Shin Bet legal advisor told Zini there was no choice but to open the investigation due to the Prime Minister's demand. This explains the organization's changed stance, as Zini had told the cabinet there was insufficient cause to investigate. Journalist Amit Segal reported on Channel 12 that the government, led by Netanyahu, was responsible for ordering the investigation against Zini's strong opposition.

Netanyahu pressured Zini for months, influenced by some ministers, to open the probe. Zini explained, including in a cabinet meeting ten days ago, that the effort was futile given the 4,600 people with knowledge of the operation, not just a few. Despite this, Zini accepted Netanyahu's directive and initiated the investigation, shedding new light on his recent statement about loyalty to the elected leadership.

Additionally, Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo claimed on June 22 that he met with Zini and his assistant to request an investigation into the leak about Operation "Roaring Lion." i24NEWS reported that another Shin Bet official present at the meeting was a close relative of a well-known Channel 14 journalist. The Shin Bet responded by stating the decision to investigate was made by the agency head well before the meeting and that Zini regularly meets with journalists from various media outlets as part of routine engagement.