Police Raise Gadi Eisenkot's Threat Level, Recommend Armed Security

Israel Police have elevated the security threat level for Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, to level 4 out of 6, indicating a significant risk. This decision, reported on Monday, acknowledges a heightened threat against the former IDF chief of staff, particularly in light of the current election campaign. Police believe the threat is focused due to the party's rising poll numbers, which now position it as a major contender for prime minister, even surpassing the Likud in some surveys.

In parallel with the threat assessment, Police Commissioner Danny Levy formally recommended immediate armed security for Eisenkot in a written opinion to the advisory committee on personal security. This recommendation underscores the perceived severity of the situation by senior police officials.

The question of who will provide this security is now before the ministerial committee on Shin Bet affairs. The advisory committee has recommended that the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) be responsible for Eisenkot's protection. This follows a letter sent about a month ago by Eisenkot's chief of staff, Ron Barkai, to Shin Bet head David Zini, expressing concern over the lack of security arrangements given the heated political discourse and Eisenkot's prominent candidacy.

Previously, the Shin Bet had stated it would not provide security for Eisenkot, a decision Eisenkot's staff vehemently criticized as politically motivated. Now, with the police's official recommendation, the ministerial committee must make the final decision on whether the Shin Bet or the police will provide armed security for Eisenkot.