Security Panel Recommends Protection for Gadi Eisenkot Amid Election Tensions

The Advisory Committee for Personal Security recommended on Sunday that Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, be placed under security protection due to the charged atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections. Ronen Cohen, the committee's chairman, stated in an interview that the election period is highly volatile, with significant incitement on social media.

Cohen explained that the combination of these factors, along with Eisenkot's candidacy and position, necessitated a considerable effort to ensure his safety. He noted that the committee discusses the security of civilians and that this decision sets a precedent.

"I think that regarding security, one who relies solely on very concrete information can fail," Cohen remarked, adding that most assassination attempts globally occur without prior specific intelligence. "Our goal is that this entire period until the elections passes peacefully."

Addressing past criticisms of Eisenkot, Cohen clarified that he never suggested Eisenkot should not receive security. Instead, his criticism was directed at Eisenkot's approach to the Shin Bet, which Cohen likened to treating it as a private security firm. He emphasized that granting security to a civilian is a complex matter.