Defense Minister signs Shin Bet immunity certificate in Gaza smuggling case

Defense Minister Israel Katz signed a Shin Bet immunity certificate in the criminal proceedings against Bezalel Zini, in the case of smuggling goods into Gaza. The signing allows the process to move forward after a delay of about two months. Meanwhile, the minister signed four additional immunity certificates.

Defense Minister Israel Katz signed a Shin Bet immunity certificate today (Thursday) in the criminal proceedings against Bezalel Zini, in the case of smuggling goods into Gaza. An immunity certificate allows a certain piece of evidence not to be transferred to the defense for fear of exposing secret means and methods of investigative bodies, without the evidence being of real benefit to the defendant. Following the signing, the criminal proceedings can proceed after waiting for the minister's signature over the past two months. Meanwhile, the minister signed four additional Shin Bet immunity certificates related to other criminal proceedings. The case involves 15 defendants who, according to the indictments, smuggled goods from Israel to the Gaza Strip between August and December 2025, mainly cartons of cigarettes and mobile phones. Some of those involved were reserve soldiers on active duty. The smuggling yielded profits of millions of shekels for some of the defendants. Last March, the Supreme Court rejected the prosecution's appeal and ruled that the defendants, including Zini, would be released to alternative detention. The State Attorney filed an indictment under the most severe charge - aiding the enemy during wartime, which carries a maximum sentence of death. The team of lawyers accompanying the case believed the charge was far-fetched, but their position was not accepted.