Advisory Panel Recommends Shin Bet Security for Gadi Eisenkot Until Elections

An advisory panel on personal security has recommended that the ministerial committee approve Shin Bet security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, until the upcoming elections. This recommendation comes despite opposition from Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The panel's recommendation is advisory and the final decision rests with the ministerial committee.

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar had previously informed Eisenkot that he would not receive state security, as Eisenkot does not fall under the seven categories of "symbols of government" eligible for such protection. This decision was made despite intelligence indicating increasing threats against Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff and a leading contender in opinion polls for prime minister.

The advisory committee convened after the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, directed the committee to discuss security for party leaders, even if they are not currently Knesset members. The committee's chairman, Colonel (res.) Ronen Cohen, has previously made critical remarks about Eisenkot, questioning his leadership and relevance, despite Eisenkot not holding a position during the October 7th attacks and having retired from his military role five years prior.

Eisenkot's chief of staff, Ron Barkai, had written to Shin Bet leadership highlighting that the current private security provided by his party is insufficient given the intelligence assessments and the escalating threats. Barkai noted the growing public and social media tension, stating the physical threat to Eisenkot is increasing daily.

The Shin Bet stated in response that security for "symbols of government" is determined by law and ministerial committee decisions. They added that the Shin Bet continuously monitors and assesses threats against Gadi Eisenkot and acts to thwart them as they arise.