Israeli prosecutors have charged the brother of the head of the country's intelligence agency, Shin Bet, with aiding the enemy in wartime by allegedly smuggling cigarettes into Gaza. An indictment against Bezalel Zini published states he was aware that Hamas might profit from the resale of cigarettes and tobacco at inflated prices. Zini, 50, a reservist on active duty in the Israeli military, is alleged to have smuggled 14 cartons of cigarettes—7,000 individual packets—for a total of 365,000 shekels ($117,000; £86,000). His brother, the recently appointed Shin Bet chief David Zini, is not suspected of any wrongdoing. Israel has closely monitored the flow of humanitarian aid and goods into Gaza during its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The charges come as part of broader indictments against over a dozen individuals for allegedly smuggling various items, including electronics into Gaza, with the sale of smuggled tobacco reportedly generating "hundreds of millions of shekels" for Hamas. Prosecutors assert the smuggling operations began in the summer of 2025, amidst the ongoing violence. The indictment alleges that smugglers misled Israeli soldiers by pretending to be on military duties. Zini also faces charges of fraud, receiving bribes, and tax offenses. His defense claims the application of terrorism laws in this case is unjustified, emphasizing his service to the state.
Israeli Intelligence Chief's Brother Charged in Gaza Cigarette Smuggling Scandal

Israeli Intelligence Chief's Brother Charged in Gaza Cigarette Smuggling Scandal
Bezalel Zini faces serious charges for allegedly smuggling large quantities of cigarettes into Gaza, raising concerns about ties to Hamas and organized crime. His brother, the head of Shin Bet, is not implicated.
Bezalel Zini, brother of Israel’s intelligence agency chief David Zini, has been charged with aiding the enemy by smuggling 14 cartons of cigarettes into Gaza. Prosecutors allege the operation could benefit Hamas, with billions flowing into their coffers from smuggled goods during ongoing conflict. The smuggling began amid active warfare, complicating Israel's efforts in controlling goods entering the region.



















