Israel's Shin Bet security agency has confirmed that it conducted an investigation into the leak of the timing of the operation in Iran, according to a statement. The confirmation follows months of political pressure and public controversy over the disclosure.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) confirmed Friday evening that it conducted an investigation into the leak of the timing of the military operation in Iran, following months of political pressure and public controversy. The confirmation comes after a dramatic sequence of developments earlier tonight: at 18:59 Jerusalem, the agency issued its first official response denying any link between the investigation and a meeting between its director David Zini and commentator Yaakov Bardugo; minutes later it acknowledged that the decision to open the probe predated that meeting; and shortly after that, a report emerged that Prime Minister Netanyahu had ordered the Shin Bet chief to open the investigation—a reversal of the agency's earlier stance. The specific findings of the investigation have not been disclosed.
The Zioneer previously reported on the background to the leak controversy. On July 9, The Zioneer reported that the Attorney General was expected to decline a criminal investigation into the leak, and that the Shin Bet chief had requested to open an investigation after ministers' demands. The thread tonight shows how the investigation became a political flashpoint, with the agency initially rejecting any external influence, then acknowledging the request, and finally being linked to the prime minister's directive.
The leak controversy stems from the disclosure of the timing of the opening of the war in Iran to Channel 12, a matter that has stirred public and political debate about operational security. As The Zioneer reported on July 9, the Attorney General's assessment was that the leak did not harm Israeli security interests, contradicting the Shin Bet chief's position.
What remains open: The specific findings of the Shin Bet's investigation have not been published. It is unclear whether any individuals were implicated or if any disciplinary or criminal measures will follow.
7 developments
- DevelopingJournalist Avishai Grinzeig reveals Shin Bet employee relative of Channel 14 journalist attended Bardugo-Zini meeting
- DevelopingBardugo: Shin Bet investigations division and legal adviser block leak probe despite Zini's order
- DevelopingYaakov Bardugo: Shin Bet still hasn't probed Channel 12 leak despite PM's direct order
- DevelopingYaakov Bardugo challenges Shin Bet chief David Zini on incitement and leak inaction
Source and signal
- Internal intake