Israeli Election Committee Chair Urges Security Review for Threatened Party Leaders

On August 7, 2026, Noam Solberg, chairman of Israel's Central Elections Committee, sent a letter to Shmuel Ben Ezra, head of the National Security Council, addressing the security concerns of threatened political party leaders who are not members of the Knesset. Solberg noted that his office had received multiple requests regarding their protection, reportedly confirmed as necessary by the police. Without taking a position on the matter itself, Solberg recommended that the advisory committee on personal security and the relevant ministerial committee discuss the issue. He emphasized the need to clarify which authority determines threat status, who is responsible for security, and the criteria for protecting various political figures during election periods.

Recently, requests for security were made for Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party and former IDF Chief of Staff, and Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party. Eizenkot is currently protected only by an unarmed private security firm hired by his party, without intelligence-based threat assessment. Despite the request, the Shin Bet reportedly decided not to provide official protection for him. Golan's request followed multiple threatening online comments, including calls for his assassination. The police raised the threat level against Golan to level 4, prompting his party to demand formal security measures due to the severity of the threats.

Solberg's letter highlights the need for a clear, official framework to determine and provide security for political figures during elections, distinguishing between government officials, Knesset members, and other candidates. This call comes amid growing concerns over the safety of political leaders facing serious threats in the lead-up to elections. The National Security Council and relevant government bodies are expected to review the issue following Solberg's appeal.