Security Panel Head Defends Decisions, Criticizes Media

Ronen Cohen, head of the advisory committee for personal security, stated on Monday that some individuals attempt to exploit the committee for political gain, emphasizing that the Shin Bet is not a private security firm. Cohen explained that the recommendation to provide security for "Yash" party leader Gadi Eisenkot was not based on a specific threat but rather a combination of factors including a charged election period, escalating rhetoric, and Eisenkot's prominent candidacy.

Cohen, in his role for over a year, maintained that while the approach to the Shin Bet was improper, it opened the door for further requests. He clarified that no concrete intelligence indicated a direct threat to Eisenkot, only a "general threat" that could escalate during elections. The decision to recommend security was influenced by the tense election climate and Eisenkot's leading position, with Cohen noting that most assassinations are carried out by lone individuals or cells without prior intelligence.

Cohen also recommended lifelong security for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, security for his wife Sara Netanyahu as long as he is alive, and for their children for an additional five years. This recommendation was supported by intelligence indicating a strong, concrete desire for revenge against Netanyahu's wife and children. He described the professional bodies' unanimous assessment as placing Sara Netanyahu at a severe threat level, attributing her anxiety to natural concern for her family rather than pressure on the committee.

Addressing criticism from journalist Uri Misgav regarding security for Yair Netanyahu, Cohen asserted that Misgav would have acted similarly if faced with similar intelligence about a threat, referencing a foiled assassination attempt that led to Yair Netanyahu's hurried return from Miami. Cohen suggested that Misgav's reporting and actions, such as photographing a balcony, could be considered suspicious and warrant investigation.

The "Democrats" party, awaiting a decision on security for its chairman Yair Golan, criticized the committee's decisions as politically motivated, pointing out that two of the three committee members are Netanyahu's political appointees. They argued that the refusal to secure Golan, while approving security for Eisenkot, exposes political considerations and serves to enable ongoing incitement against the "change bloc." The party holds Netanyahu and the Shin Bet chief responsible for Golan's security and threatened legal action if politics are not separated from the duty to protect lives.