Netanyahu Reportedly Pressed Zini on Channel 12 Probe
Published
Saturday-night reporting said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally pressed Shin Bet chief David Zini to open an investigation into an alleged Channel 12 leak about the timing of the U.S.-Israeli Iran strikes. The update sharpened a story first framed around Yaakov Bardugo's meeting with Zini, because earlier coverage had already said ministers and Netanyahu pushed for a probe while the Shin Bet denied any outside influence. The agency says classified-leak cases are opened only through professional and legal channels, and that Zini decided a probe was needed before the Bardugo meeting. Opposition lawmakers and watchdog groups demanded scrutiny of political access to the Shin Bet chief, while the agency said any leak investigation is meant to close a breach in Israel's security system.
Sources
Difference in reporting
Sources factually disagree on the decision chain: Mako reports Netanyahu personally pressed Zini to open the Channel 12 probe despite Zini's initial opposition; Times of Israel and Israel National News report Zini sought attorney-general approval after pressure from Netanyahu and ministers while the Shin Bet denied outside pressure drove the decision; Haaretz focuses on Bardugo's pressure campaign and the disputed Shin Bet timeline. The remaining facts are uniform: the matter concerns an alleged Channel 12 leak about Iran-strike timing, Bardugo met Zini to push for a probe, the Shin Bet acknowledged the meeting, and legal or opposition figures demanded scrutiny.
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