An Israeli court on , indicted a brother of the chief of Israel’s security service, Shin Bet, for smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip. The indictment of Bezalel Zini is the latest development in a widening scandal involving over a dozen individuals, including Israeli reserve soldiers, accused of profiting from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war through the illicit delivery of goods into Gaza.
According to court documents and prosecutors’ statements, Bezalel Zini allegedly pocketed approximately 365,000 shekels (roughly $117,000 USD) through the scheme. The smuggling operation reportedly involved bringing cigarettes into Gaza at a time when aid deliveries were severely restricted and many Palestinians faced hunger. His brother, David Zini, the head of Shin Bet, has not been implicated in the scandal.
The case highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the flow of goods into Gaza, which Israel tightly controls, citing concerns that Hamas will divert aid for its own purposes, including imposing taxes on goods and bolstering its military capabilities. Israel accuses Hamas of operating a black market within Gaza. Even as famine was declared in parts of Gaza in the summer of 2025, Israel’s military continued to restrict the entry of essential supplies, including food.
The smuggling conspiracy reportedly began in August of last year, with businesspeople allegedly bribing Israeli reservists stationed along the Israel-Gaza border to facilitate the movement of goods. The indictment of Bezalel Zini follows the charging of other individuals involved in the network. The goods smuggled are believed to potentially benefit Hamas, though this remains a key aspect of the ongoing investigation.
The ban on cigarette imports into Gaza, imposed by Israel throughout the war, dramatically inflated prices. At the peak of the conflict, a single cigarette could cost upwards of $80. This price surge created a lucrative opportunity for smuggling, despite the risks involved. The indictment details how Zini exploited this situation for personal financial gain.
The timing of the indictment coincides with ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian population. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for a ceasefire, which includes provisions for rebuilding the territory, is currently under consideration. However, the smuggling scandal raises questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s control mechanisms and the potential for corruption to undermine aid efforts.
The investigation into the smuggling ring is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the operation and identify all those involved. The case has drawn scrutiny to the conduct of Israeli soldiers and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a conflict zone. The indictment of a high-profile figure like the brother of the Shin Bet chief underscores the seriousness with which Israeli authorities are treating the allegations.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with limited access to essential goods and services. The smuggling of cigarettes, while seemingly a minor issue in the context of the broader humanitarian crisis, illustrates the desperation and economic hardship faced by Palestinians in the territory. It also highlights the potential for exploitation and corruption in a conflict environment.
The court proceedings against Bezalel Zini are expected to shed further light on the details of the smuggling operation and the motivations of those involved. The case is likely to have political ramifications, both within Israel and internationally, as it raises questions about accountability and the management of aid to Gaza. The indictment serves as a reminder of the complex challenges involved in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for transparency and oversight in all aspects of aid delivery.
