Security Advisory Head Criticizes Gadi Eisenkot's Security Request

Ronen Cohen, a retired colonel and head of the advisory committee for personal security, criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, for his method of requesting security.

Cohen stated in an interview on Kan News that Eisenkot's approach was inappropriate, emphasizing that the Shin Bet is not a private security firm. He explained that Eisenkot's direct approach, followed by similar requests from others like Yair Golan, set a problematic precedent. Cohen noted that while the committee recommended security for Eisenkot due to a general threat level during a charged election period, there is currently no concrete threat against any candidate. He suggested that politicians from both the right and left might try to leverage the committee for political gain, but stressed the immense workload and challenges faced by the Shin Bet.

Cohen also addressed the committee's recommendation to provide lifelong security for Sara Netanyahu and five years for her two children, independent of Prime Minister Netanyahu's tenure. He stated this decision was based on intelligence from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and police, indicating a strong desire for revenge against the Prime Minister's wife and children. Cohen asserted that he did not face any pressure regarding this recommendation, despite past criticism linking him to Sara Netanyahu.

The National Unity party responded to the decision not to provide security for Yair Golan, accusing the committee of being politically appointed by Netanyahu. They claimed the committee refused security for Golan because it would acknowledge the threat posed by Netanyahu's incitement campaign against the "change bloc."