Shin Bet Chief Secretly Visits U.S. Amid Security Debate

Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar made a clandestine visit to the United States, arriving in Washington for working meetings with his American counterparts. The visit, reported Monday evening by Channel 13 News, is reportedly focused on "sensitive issues," though specific details were not disclosed.

Bar's trip occurs as Israel grapples with the ongoing debate over the security arrangements for politicians. A public advisory committee on personal security convened Sunday to discuss the protection of Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yisrael” party, and Yair Golan, chairman of the “Democrats” party.

Contrary to some expectations, the committee recommended providing security for Eisenkot until the upcoming elections. A decision regarding Golan's security detail is still pending.

Bar's stance, previously stated, is that security details are unnecessary for both party leaders, arguing they do not represent governmental institutions. This position comes despite past public criticism of Eisenkot by the committee's chairman, Ronen Cohen.