Shin Bet Chief Overrules Ministerial Committee on Security for Opposition Leaders

Shin Bet Director David Zini has decided not to assign security personnel from Unit 730 to opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan, a move that contradicts a decision by the Ministerial Committee for Security Affairs. The decision comes less than a month before elections.

Instead of direct protection from the Shin Bet, Unit 730, the Shin Bet will provide intelligence support and allow private armed security for the leaders as needed. This intelligence envelope will include monitoring and threat assessment around all party leaders.

If a party leader desires personal security, their chosen private security company will be granted permits for armed guards, even without concrete intelligence or a specific threat. The Shin Bet's security department will fully coordinate with the party leaders and their private security teams to provide guidance and enhance existing security measures.

The Shin Bet stated that following the Ministerial Committee's decision on protecting party leaders, rapid staff work was conducted to formulate an immediate and relevant legal response. This decision by Zini, after consultations with internal and external professional bodies, aims to create optimal security arrangements for party leaders.