New Scandal Shakes Israel: Shin Bet Wiretapped Journalist to Uncover Sources

A major controversy is gripping Israel as shocking revelations surface about the Shin Bet, the nation’s internal security agency, wiretapping a prominent journalist to trace the source of a sensitive leak.

Several weeks ago, senior Israeli journalist Amit Segal reported that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was investigating whether National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the police, was undermining government authority. The story sparked widespread outrage, with critics alleging Bar was targeting Ben-Gvir in retaliation for actions taken against him.

Now, it has emerged that, under a gag order, the Shin Bet, in collaboration with the Department of Internal Police Investigations, is quietly probing the leak itself. Belaaz can reveal that the agency hacked into journalist Amit Segal’s personal phone to uncover the source of his information, which they had sought to keep under wraps. The investigation identified a police officer who had leaked the document to Segal.

In response, the Shin Bet detained the officer, who is currently held without access to legal counsel or other basic rights, as authorities push to charge him with compromising classified Shin Bet information.

The case is poised to rock the nation when it’s made public, especially amid escalating demands to oust Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who continues to resist stepping down despite a government decision calling for his resignation.