Despite legal criticism: State Attorney leaves severe charge against Bezalel Zini unchanged

State Attorney Amit Aisman has decided to leave the severe charge of aiding the enemy during wartime against Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, unchanged, despite sharp internal criticism within the prosecution. Zini is accused of smuggling cartons of cigarettes into the Gaza Strip for 365,000 shekels while exploiting his reserve duty position. The prosecution is expected to oppose any further easing of his house arrest conditions.

State Attorney Amit Aisman informed Bezalel Zini that he is leaving the severe charge of aiding the enemy during wartime unchanged, despite sharp judicial criticism that arose within the prosecution itself. Zini, brother of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, is accused of smuggling cartons of cigarettes into the Gaza Strip for 365,000 shekels, while exploiting his reserve duty position. The indictment attributes to him offenses of aiding the enemy during war, prohibition of engaging in property for terrorist purposes, and taking bribes. Alongside him, indictments were filed against Aviel Ben David, 31, from Kiryat Gat, a reserve soldier in "Force Uriah," and against Amir Dov Halperin, 38. According to the indictment, the accused knew that the smuggled goods could reach terrorist elements, including Hamas. The prosecution is expected to strongly oppose Zini's request for further easing of his house arrest conditions at a hearing scheduled for next month.