Shin Bet Chief to Decide Security for Opposition Leaders

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the sole minister present at a committee meeting on Wednesday, decided to delegate the authority for determining security protection for party leaders to the Shin Bet. This decision applies to party leaders who are citizens but currently lack official security detail, and will remain in effect until the 27th Knesset is sworn in. Shin Bet chief David Zini will now decide on the security package for Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Ofer Winter, leaders of the "Yashar," "Democrats," and "Amcha Israel" parties, respectively. Other prominent figures like Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Avigdor Lieberman already receive security due to their previous official roles. Previously, an advisory committee had recommended security for Eisenkot until the elections, but most committee members were absent from that session. Eisenkot's campaign had previously hired private security for him during large events and field tours after the Shin Bet declined to provide protection, citing his lack of an official government position. This lack of official protection is despite his significant role in the upcoming elections and potential candidacy for prime minister, which could expose him to threats. The advisory committee's meeting was prompted by a request from the head of the elections committee, Justice Naum Solberg, to the National Security Council chief, to examine security for party leaders, including those not currently in the Knesset.