Supreme Court Judge Urges Security Discussion for Threatened Israeli Party Leaders
Noam Solberg, Supreme Court Justice and chairman of Israel's Central Elections Committee, has formally requested that the National Security Council, led by Shmuel Ben Ezra, address the issue of the Shin Bet's refusal to provide security for two Israeli political figures: Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, and Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yisrael! party. Solberg's letter, reported on Thursday evening by Kan News, calls for the advisory committee on personal security and the ministerial committee to clarify who holds the authority to determine whether party leaders face threats and who is responsible for their protection. He emphasized the need to differentiate between members of Knesset, ministers, government officials, and candidates who are not Knesset members, such as Golan and Eizenkot. Solberg stressed the importance of establishing clear security standards for party leaders during election periods.
The request follows reports that despite the police raising the threat level against Yair Golan, the Shin Bet continues to refuse his security detail. The Democratic Party sent a letter to senior law enforcement officials, including Shin Bet chief David Zini, Police Commissioner Danni Levi, and the Central Elections Committee chair, accusing Zini of knowingly neglecting Golan's safety and endangering his life. The letter claims Golan is among the most threatened political leaders in Israel and includes explicit death threats against him, some posted on social media, as well as a threatening letter attached to a stone thrown at Channel 12 News offices.
This development highlights ongoing tensions regarding security provisions for political figures amid Israel's election cycle. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he does not intend to intervene in allegations of fraud in the Likud party primaries.
Summary: Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg has urged Israeli security authorities to clarify responsibility for protecting threatened party leaders Yair Golan and Gadi Eizenkot, following Shin Bet's refusal to provide security despite serious threats against Golan. The issue raises questions about security protocols for political figures during elections.
