Defense Minister Israel Katz signed the Shin Bet confidentiality certificate in the Gaza smuggling affair on Thursday, ending a three-month delay, according to Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13/Army Radio). The certificate covers security personnel accused in the case, including Betzalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini. The report also notes that Katz similarly delayed signing a confidentiality certificate in a separate case involving MK Tali Gotliv, which held up her indictment for months.
The Zioneer reported at 14:14 Jerusalem today that Defense Minister Israel Katz signed the Shin Bet confidentiality certificate in the Gaza smuggling affair. A new report from Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13/Army Radio) now provides a fuller timeline: Katz delayed signing for approximately three months, from June when the request was submitted to this week. The certificate covers security personnel charged in the case, including Betzalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet director David Zini.
The Zioneer first reported the signing at 14:14 Jerusalem, noting a two-month delay. The new report clarifies that the delay was approximately three months. It also reveals that Katz similarly delayed signing a confidentiality certificate in a separate case involving MK Tali Gotliv (then of Likud), who is accused of exposing a Shin Bet operative's identity. That delay held up her indictment for several months. The Gotliv case had already drawn public attention in early August, when right-wing commentator Yoav Lakshtein alleged that Katz had brought the indictment against Gotliv, as The Zioneer reported on Aug 3.
The Gaza smuggling case indictment was filed in February. Critics have accused Katz of politicizing the use of confidentiality certificates, though the Defense Ministry has not commented. It remains unclear whether the delayed signing in the Gotliv case was a matter of procedure or policy.
4 developments
- DevelopingDefense Minister Israel Katz yet to approve appointments requiring his sign-off
- StrongAnalyst Ben Menachem warns Israel must act preemptively against Hamas before next kidnapping
- DevelopingCoalition sources: Defense Minister Katz blocking bill to freeze arrests of Haredi draft evaders
- DevelopingKatz's disclosure of US strikes on Iran from Israeli bases ignites censorship row, CENTCOM friction
Source and signal
- Open-source intake