The brother of Israel’s top security chief smuggled cigarettes into Gaza, directly funding Hamas during wartime—and pocketed nearly $100,000 doing it.
Story Snapshot
- Bezalel Zini, IDF reservist and brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini, indicted for assisting the enemy by smuggling 14 crates of banned cigarettes into Gaza.
- Operation netted Zini NIS 365,000; part of a ring smuggling goods worth NIS 3.9 million that bolstered Hamas finances by hundreds of millions.
- Exploited military convoys at Sufa crossing during active conflict and ceasefire, while hostages remain held by Hamas.
- Case handled by Israel Police to avoid Shin Bet conflict; 12 indicted, 13 more pending, signaling broader network.
- Charges include wartime enemy assistance, bribery, fraud—exposing military oversight gaps.
Smuggling Operation Details
Bezalel Zini commanded an IDF team operating heavy engineering equipment in Gaza’s Gaza Division. In August 2025, a soldier approached him with a bribe offer. Zini accepted and led three smuggling runs in August-September 2025. He hid 14 crates of prohibited cigarettes inside authorized equipment convoys crossing into Gaza via Sufa. The ring overall moved 26 crates valued at NIS 3.9 million. Zini earned NIS 365,000 for his role.
Primary Defendants and Charges
Beersheba District Court indicted Zini alongside Aviel Ben David, another IDF reservist from his unit, and civilian Amir Dov Halperin on February 5, 2026. Charges encompass assisting the enemy during wartime, fraud, bribery, and counterterrorism violations. Ben David joined five smuggling trips for NIS 15,000. Halperin linked through Ben David. Menachem Abutbul coordinated transfers near Kibbutz Sufa. Prosecutors filed against 12 others on February 4; 13 more await indictment.
Israel banned cigarettes into Gaza due to their black-market premium and Hamas taxes. Smugglers knew goods would reach Hamas, foreseeing economic aid to the enemy. Beyond tobacco, the ring trafficked dual-use items like iPhones, batteries, telecom cables, and car parts—potentially boosting Hamas terror capabilities. This systematic scheme exploited wartime logistics chaos.
Security Breach and Institutional Response
David Zini, Shin Bet chief, faces no suspicion. Israel Police leads the probe to sidestep family conflict. Shin Bet warns smuggling aids Hamas survival, governance, and potential attacks via routes against Israel and IDF forces. State Attorney’s Office calls it a grave, organized threat amid ongoing operations, ceasefire, and hostages. The case demands rigorous oversight of reservists with Gaza access.
Prosecutors’ framing aligns with common sense: deliberate wartime profiteering that strengthens terrorists violates core security duties. Facts show no mere greed excused aiding Hamas, whose finances surged via such smuggling. Conservative values prioritize national defense over personal gain; this breach underscores need for unyielding accountability.
Broader Implications for Israel
Short-term, Israel’s security apparatus suffers credibility hit, spotlighting vetting flaws. IDF must tighten convoy checks, crossing oversight, and dual-use monitoring. Long-term, Hamas gains economic edge, complicating hostage talks and prolonging threats. Smuggling routes risk weaponization. Affected: IDF troops under scrutiny, civilians facing risks, Gaza civilians under firmer Hamas grip.
Military logistics vulnerabilities during conflict invite exploitation. Enhanced background checks and access controls now essential. This precedent may deter future breaches but reveals pre-existing networks. Hamas rebuilds post-war via illicit funds, extending conflict shadow. Israel fortifies against insider threats to safeguard sovereignty.
Sources:
Shin Bet Chief’s Brother Indicted in Gaza Smuggling Affair
Brother of Shin Bet chief charged with ‘assisting enemy in wartime’ over Gaza smuggling
Brother of Shin Bet chief charged with aiding the enemy during wartime
