Report: Shin Bet legal adviser told Zini before Bardugo meeting; meeting not catalyst for probe

A new report claims that the Shin Bet's legal adviser informed Director David Zini about a week ago that there was no choice but to open a leak investigation into Channel 12, and that the meeting with commentator Yaakov Bardugo was not related to the probe's initiation.

The Zioneer reported earlier this evening (20:41) that the Shin Bet's legal adviser allegedly told Director David Zini that there was no choice but to open a leak investigation into the disclosure of classified operational details to Channel 12. That report was based on a social media post. Now, a subsequent post clarifies that the meeting between Zini and commentator Yaakov Bardugo, which had been widely seen as a possible trigger for the probe, was not related to the decision to open the investigation. According to the new report, the legal adviser's warning to Zini occurred about a week ago, predating the Bardugo meeting.

The leak investigation has been a subject of public controversy. Bardugo has repeatedly alleged that the Shin Bet's investigations division and legal adviser were blocking the probe despite a direct order from Zini. The agency's official response, as reported by i24NEWS on Friday, stated that the investigation was opened long before the Zini-Bardugo meeting. The new report appears to align with that timeline.

The source of the latest report is a social media post, and the details remain unverified by official channels. The Zioneer has not independently confirmed the claims.

2 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 21:01 · 11 JulLatest

   Legal adviser confirmed meeting with Bardugo did not trigger the probe.

2. 20:41 · 11 Jul

   Shin Bet legal adviser reportedly told Zini there was 'no choice' but to open leak investigation

• Developingyesterday · 20:22 · 10 JulShin Bet responds to i24NEWS: Leak probe opened long before Zini-Bardugo meeting
• Developing20:29 · 29 JunBardugo: Shin Bet investigations division and legal adviser block leak probe despite Zini's order
• Developing10:07 · 17 JunYaakov Bardugo challenges Shin Bet chief David Zini on incitement and leak inaction
• Developing08:29 · 29 JunYaakov Bardugo: Shin Bet still hasn't probed Channel 12 leak despite PM's direct order

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