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MNN Global · February 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Brother of Israeli intelligence chief charged with cigarette smuggling

What happened: Bezalel Zini, an Israeli military reservist and brother of the intelligence chief, has been charged with smuggling 14 cartons of cigarettes into Gaza in exchange for $117,000.

Why it matters:

  • The case highlights concerns about smuggling activities affecting security and trade restrictions in Gaza.
  • It involves a close relative of a senior Israeli official, raising questions about oversight and enforcement within military ranks.

MNN Take: The incident underscores ongoing challenges in controlling goods entering Gaza and the complexities of security enforcement involving military personnel.

Sources: BBC World