Shin Bet Chief's Brother Faces 'Assisting Enemy' Charges Over Gaza Cigarette Smuggling
The brother of Israel's internal security chief has been charged with "assisting the enemy in wartime" for his alleged involvement in a smuggling network that transported cigarettes and other goods into Gaza during the Israeli blockade of the occupied Palestinian territory.
Serious Allegations Against Bezalel Zini
Bezalel Zini, 50, stands accused alongside more than ten other individuals in connection with the alleged smuggling operation. His brother, David Zini, serves as the head of the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence agency, having been appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last May and commencing his duties in October.
According to the indictment announced on Thursday, Zini is suspected of smuggling approximately fourteen cartons of cigarettes into Gaza across three separate trips into the occupied territory. Prosecutors allege he received roughly $120,000 (£88,700) for these activities.
Luxury Goods in a Blockaded Territory
Israel has maintained strict control over all goods entering Gaza, enforcing a total blockade during the height of the conflict that contributed to widespread famine conditions. Within this context, smuggling became rampant, and cigarettes transformed into luxury items accessible only to a privileged few.
At the peak of hostilities, market prices reached extraordinary levels, with a single cigarette selling for $15 (£11) and a carton of fifty packets commanding nearly $15,000 (£11,060). These exorbitant prices reflect the severe scarcity and desperation within the besieged territory.
Broader Smuggling Network and Allegations
The justice ministry has accused Zini and his co-defendants of multiple serious offences, including "assisting the enemy in wartime, performing transactions in property for terrorist purposes, obtaining something by fraud under aggravated circumstances, and taking bribes."
In an official statement, the ministry revealed that "a central category of prohibited goods smuggled into the strip was tobacco and cigarettes, which have put a total of hundreds of millions of shekels into Hamas's coffers since the start of the war."
The smuggling network allegedly transported not only cigarettes but also iPhones, batteries, car parts, and various other goods into Gaza, with operations reportedly beginning last year.
Defence Response and Additional Context
Zini's defence lawyers have strongly denied the charges, with Haaretz quoting the legal team stating: "Regarding the offence of aiding the enemy during wartime, it is a complete inversion of reality." The attorneys downplayed the severity of the alleged offences, arguing: "It's only about cigarettes [and] any claim of aiding the enemy is baseless."
Officially an Israeli army reservist, Zini was also part of a small semi-official unit known as the Uriah Force, composed substantially of right-wing extremist volunteers. This group reportedly brought bulldozers and other heavy equipment into Gaza, participating in widespread demolitions during the conflict. According to a Haaretz investigation last September, the Uriah Force operated outside the official army chain of command.
The indictment further alleges that Zini "exploited his position" and used the cover of moving Uriah Force equipment in and out of Gaza to facilitate the cigarette smuggling operations.
Political Repercussions and Media Scrutiny
The right-wing newspaper Israel Hayom has criticised the silence of Shin Bet chief David Zini regarding his brother's involvement in the affair. The publication noted: "Zini should not be punished for his brother's actions (assuming he is convicted). But he must tell the Israeli public the truth about treason allegations and other conspiracy theories, including in connection to the current affair."
This case emerges against the backdrop of devastating conflict in Gaza, where more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in military operations that a UN independent commission and various human rights organisations consider to constitute genocide. Disturbingly, allegations have surfaced that some Israeli soldiers participating in Gaza's devastation may have profited from smuggling operations during the campaign.
