❗️ISRAEL POLICE AND SHIN BET DISMANTLE GAZA AID-ROUTE SMUGGLING NETWORK WITH INDICTMENTS FILED AS ISRAELI SUSPECTS ARRESTED AND SENTENCED IN SEPARATE IRANIAN ESPIONAGE CASES
⚖️ Israeli authorities announced the completion of an investigation into a coordinated smuggling network that exploited ceasefire humanitarian aid routes to transfer prohibited goods into Gaza. The joint Shin Bet and Israel Police operation led to the arrest of Israeli citizens, residents of Judea and Samaria, and Gaza residents suspected of organizing and executing smuggling operations. Investigators said the suspects used the large-scale aid flow during the ceasefire to move prohibited goods through multiple channels, despite awareness that such activity could directly strengthen terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas.
Authorities stated that interrogations uncovered a broad, organized infrastructure involving dozens of individuals who coordinated the smuggling of goods and equipment into Gaza. Security officials warned that such operations provide financial and logistical support that helps Hamas and other terrorist organizations rebuild military and civilian infrastructure, restore command-and-control capabilities, recruit and train operatives, and potentially establish routes that could later be used for weapons smuggling or operational attacks against Israeli forces.
The State Prosecutor’s Office filed indictments against 12 suspects and a company allegedly involved in the operation. Charges include assisting the enemy during wartime, dealing in property for terrorism-related purposes, aggravated fraud, bribery, tax offenses, and additional economic crimes. Prosecutors also requested asset confiscation linked to the alleged profits generated through the smuggling network.
The case includes Bezalel Zini, brother of the head of the Shin Bet, with a separate indictment expected. According to prosecutors, Zini, a reservist involved in logistical support for convoy operations entering Gaza, allegedly carried out three cigarette-smuggling operations through the Sufa crossing, receiving approximately 365,000 shekels. Additional suspects include reservist Aviel Ben David and Amir Dov Halperin, who are accused of multiple smuggling operations totaling millions of shekels, with profits allegedly shared among network members. Prosecutors stated the defendants knowingly bypassed wartime restrictions and understood that the goods could reach Hamas or its agents. Zini’s detention has been extended for two additional weeks while legal proceedings continue.
❗️ Two Israelis arrested for espionage on behalf of Iran: Authorities arrested two 20-year-old Israeli residents from the Jerusalem area on suspicion of spying for Iranian intelligence. The suspects allegedly received payments through digital wallets in exchange for their activities.
⚖️ Beit Shemesh resident sentenced in separate Iran espionage case: Elimelech Stern from Beit Shemesh was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of spying for Iran.
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I am so disheartened. So many struggling in this conflict from reserve families to lone soldiers, all who stand for Israel and our people. To have people of this rank and caliber sell out their country for money not because they are hungry and need bread for their children but for money just to make themselves richer! Where is the spirit and patriotism? They put themselves first before their country. What shame.
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