Earlier this week, the Ashkelon court partially lifted an earlier gag order on the probe that implicates soldiers, civilians, and security agencies in a widespread smuggling ring, according to Haaretz.<\/p>\n
The court barred the publication of any further details, including anything that could identify the suspects. The gag order is in place until February 10.<\/p>\n
\t Zini\u2019s father, Rabbi Yosef Zini, posted in a closed social media group on Sunday that \u201cthere is no doubt that it is all a filthy lie,\u201d in an apparent reference to the smuggling affair.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if they bring video, pictures as supposed evidence, there is no doubt that it is all fabricated in order to harm the \u2018suspect\u2019 and his family,\u201d he said, according to Channel 12 news. \u201cEveryone who believes this story is on the verge of helping to spill the blood of righteous people!\u201d<\/p>\n Several Hebrew media outlets have petitioned the Ashkelon Magistrate\u2019s Court to lift what remains of the gag order and allow for the publication of the case\u2019s details in full.<\/p>\n Judge Yaniv Harush is set to issue a ruling on the petitions later on Thursday.<\/p>\n Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tShin Bet chief David Zini (left) and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir are seen during a meeting at the Shin Bet\u2019s headquarters in central Israel, January 28, 2026. (Shin Bet)<\/p>\n
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