'Israeli' authorities indict dozen suspects in Gaza smuggling probe

• Major smuggling network exposed: 'Israeli' authorities uncovered a large-scale operation smuggling prohibited goods and advanced technology from 'Israel' into Gaza, shaking the security and political establishment.
• Shin Bet link causes scandal: The suspected involvement of the brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini forced the agency to step aside from the investigation, which was transferred to police to avoid a conflict of interest.

'Israel’s' political and security establishment has been shaken by a widening scandal after prosecutors filed charges against 'Israeli' citizens, including reservist soldiers, over a large-scale smuggling network that transferred "prohibited" goods into the Gaza Strip during wartime.

What began as a criminal investigation has escalated into a major public and political crisis following reports linking the brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini to the alleged smuggling of cigarettes into Gaza, placing 'Israel’s' most powerful security agency under intense scrutiny.

Charges filed over wartime smuggling

On Wednesday, 'Israel’s' Justice Ministry announced that indictments had been filed against 12 suspects and one company, accusing them of offenses including “assisting the enemy in wartime,” performing actions with property for terrorist purposes, aggravated fraud, bribery, and economic crimes.

According to prosecutors, the smuggling operation began in the summer of 2025 while the war in Gaza was ongoing. The goods, worth millions of shekels, included cartons of cigarettes, iPhones, batteries, communication cables, car parts, and other restricted items.

'Israel' strictly and illegally controls the entry of goods and people into Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain severe despite a ceasefire that came into effect on October 10.

A joint statement from 'Israeli' police and the Shin Bet confirmed the arrest of several 'Israeli' citizens and Gaza residents, including 'Israeli' military reservists, for smuggling goods prohibited from entering the Strip.

Shin Bet chief’s brother allegedly linked

The case has drawn heightened attention after 'Israeli' media reported that the brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini was allegedly connected to the cigarette-smuggling network.

While official sources have stressed that Zini himself is not suspected of any criminal wrongdoing, the family connection forced the Shin Bet to recuse itself from the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest. Responsibility for the case was transferred to Israel’s police Southern District.

The affair has reignited debate over Clause 14 of the Grunis Committee guidelines, which address the conduct of senior officials and raise the possibility of resignation if close relatives commit severe offenses. Right-wing political figures have seized on the clause to intensify pressure on Zini.

‘Systematic and sophisticated’ operation

The Justice Ministry described the case as a “serious, organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation” carried out for profit.

Investigators say cigarettes, described as “the new gold” in Gaza, were among the most lucrative items smuggled. Court documents cited an incident from May 2025 in which an officer and a soldier from the Bedouin Reconnaissance Unit smuggled 4,496 cartons of cigarettes and received 269,000 shekels in cash.

Military estimates indicate that goods worth 100,000 shekels inside 'Israel' can increase in value to around 500,000 shekels once inside Gaza, creating powerful incentives for smuggling.

Border failures and unchecked routes

Investigations revealed serious failures at border crossings, particularly Kerem Shalom, where the volume of truck traffic reportedly prevents thorough inspections and full radiological scans. This has allowed contraband to be concealed within humanitarian aid shipments.

Reports also highlighted a more dangerous route involving contractor vehicles entering Gaza for infrastructure projects without meaningful inspection. Some vehicles reportedly never returned and were later found inside Gaza with their 'Israeli' license plates intact.

Funding concerns and Hamas benefit

'Israeli' intelligence officials are grappling with what they describe as a critical question: how such expensive goods are financed inside Gaza.

Security sources pointed to the Palestinian digital payment system Jawwal Pay as a major channel for unmonitored financial flows. Officials claim that Hamas is the primary beneficiary, collecting taxes on smuggled goods or trading in them directly.

A Justice Ministry statement said the suspects had “willfully ignored the direct contribution of this activity to the strengthening of terrorist organizations in the Strip,” notably Hamas, raising concerns that the profits could be used to rebuild its military and organizational capabilities.

While some 'Israeli' military officials are calling for those involved to face treason charges rather than lesser criminal offenses, investigators continue to describe the Gaza border as a “lawless zone”, one that has fueled Gaza’s underground economy with the involvement of elements from within 'Israel' itself.