By Trendsetter Tribune 
A high-profile smuggling investigation in Israel reached a fever pitch on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as state prosecutors filed formal charges against 12 suspects—including IDF reservists—involved in a systematic operation to traffic contraband into the Gaza Strip.
The case has ignited a political firestorm because the primary suspect, Bezalel Zini, is the brother of David Zini, the newly appointed Director of the Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency).
The Smuggling Ring: Cigarettes and “Dual-Use” Tech
Investigators allege that the suspects exploited their military positions and access to Gaza crossing points to move millions of shekels worth of goods into the enclave.
- Primary Commodity: Cigarettes. Since Israel banned tobacco imports into Gaza during the war, the black-market price for a single pack has soared to $60. Prosecutors argue this trade provides a massive revenue stream for Hamas, which heavily taxes smuggled tobacco.
- Prohibited Tech: Beyond cigarettes, the ring allegedly smuggled iPhones, drones, batteries, and car parts. These are classified as “dual-use” items, meaning they can be repurposed by Hamas for military or terrorist operations.
- Financial Scale: One branch of the operation reportedly generated over NIS 6.8 million (approx. $1.8 million) in profits from just a few months of smuggling.
The Charges: “Assisting the Enemy in Wartime”
Bezalel Zini, a reservist commander who operated heavy engineering equipment in Gaza, is set to be indicted on Thursday, February 5. He faces the severe charge of assisting the enemy during wartime, along with fraud, bribery, and financing terror.
- The Allegation: Prosecutors claim Zini and a comrade accepted bribes of NIS 15,000 ($4,000) each to use their military vehicles to ferry contraband past security checkpoints and into the hands of Gazan traders.
- Family Defense: The Zini family has vociferously denied the claims. His father, Rabbi Yosef Zini, called the allegations “fabricated” and suggested they are a political hit job aimed at his other son, David Zini.
Political Context: The Shin Bet Leadership Crisis
The scandal arrives just four months into the tenure of David Zini, who was appointed as Shin Bet chief by Benjamin Netanyahu on October 5, 2025.
| Shin Bet Director | Status | Context |
| Ronen Bar (Former) | Sacked/Resigned | Removed by Netanyahu in May 2025 after months of friction over intelligence failures and hostage negotiations. |
| David Zini (Current) | Under Pressure | The first chief from a religious-nationalist background. His appointment was initially frozen by the High Court before being finalized in late 2025. |
While David Zini himself is not accused of any wrongdoing, the investigation is being handled by the Israel Police rather than the Shin Bet to avoid a conflict of interest. Critics of the administration have used the arrest to question the “ethical fabric” of current security leadership, while supporters of Zini see it as an attempt by the “deep state” to undermine a religious commander.
A “Trend” of Military Corruption
IDF commanders have expressed alarm that this case is only the “tip of the iceberg.” With thousands of trucks entering Gaza daily for reconstruction efforts, the “yellow-line” border has become a hotspot for opportunistic smuggling by soldiers and contractors.
“This phenomenon must be stopped now—it is a clear act of treason in every sense.” — IDF Official, Feb 4, 2026.