Advisory Panel to Recommend Security Detail for Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot

An advisory panel has decided to recommend that government ministers approve security protection for Gadi Eisenkot, the former IDF chief of staff and current chairman of the National Unity party. The exact nature of the security, whether it will be provided by the Shin Bet or through armed private security, remains unclear. This recommendation follows a previous report that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar had decided against providing security for Eisenkot, despite requests from Eisenkot's staff citing an increased risk level.

Following the initial report, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar stated that the decision not to provide security was his alone and that he bore full responsibility. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently instructed Bar to ensure Eisenkot receives adequate security as needed. The agreed-upon solution involved Eisenkot's staff receiving approval for armed private security, supplemented by intelligence support from the Shin Bet and direct access to the security service's command center if necessary.

Eisenkot's staff had previously sent a letter to the Shin Bet in July, expressing concerns about his security amid Iranian threats against Israeli officials and the volatile political climate. After receiving a negative response, Eisenkot's team wrote to relevant parties, including the Attorney General, warning of the dangers posed by the lack of adequate security and alleging political motivations behind the decision.

The letter from Eisenkot's staff highlighted the escalating rhetoric on Israeli streets and social media, stating, "The atmosphere on the Israeli street, as well as on social networks, is becoming increasingly heated and threats are multiplying." They asserted that the existing private security was insufficient given the growing physical threat to Eisenkot and held the authorities responsible for immediately providing close protection.