Shin Bet Chief Aligns With Netanyahu in Push Against Media Amid Political Turmoil

Shin Bet chief David Zini has requested the Attorney General to investigate an alleged leak to Channel 12 on the day of an Iranian strike, a move critics say mirrors Prime Minister Netanyahu's attempt to seek a pardon to halt his trial. Both actions are seen as efforts to misuse legitimate legal procedures for improper ends: Netanyahu aims to cancel his trial, while Zini seeks to silence and intimidate independent media, which he disparagingly labels as "poisonous and panic-inducing channels." The Attorney General has so far declined to open an investigation against Channel 12 journalists, citing the vast number of insiders involved, lack of harm, and the media's role in preparing the public for the Iran strike.

Meanwhile, the government warned the Supreme Court against ordering the formation of a state commission to investigate the massacre and related events, citing parliamentary scheduling constraints and expressing regret over the delay. The government has actively opposed such inquiries, including blocking a bill for a political investigation committee and challenging the competence of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit to establish one. This resistance is linked to Netanyahu's distrust of commissions that have previously implicated him, such as those investigating the Meron disaster and the submarine affair. The government’s stance reflects a broader strategy to use its parliamentary majority to override public demand for accountability, echoing a historical sentiment that prioritizes what the people "need" over what they "want."

In a separate development, former Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel testified to the Supreme Court that members of the New Hope party were instructed to record their votes supporting Netanyahu’s personal lawyer, Michael Regev, for State Comptroller and to show the recordings to Netanyahu himself. This contradicts the Likud party’s claim that no such directive was given, leaving the court unable to determine who is truthful. The court opted for a moderate remedy of ordering new elections rather than appointing the rival candidate, retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron. The situation highlights concerns over election secrecy and government interference, with parliamentary Speaker Amir Ohana yet to announce the timing of the rerun elections. The episode underscores the surreal dynamic of elected officials being treated as untrustworthy subordinates under Netanyahu’s influence.