Shin Bet Denies Security Detail for Gadi Eisenkot, Citing New Model

The Yishar party announced that its chairman, Gadi Eisenkot, will not receive security protection from the Shin Bet, a decision that contradicts the recommendation of an advisory committee. This comes as Shin Bet Director David Zini has approved a new security model for party leaders.

The revised model includes intelligence monitoring and allows private security guards for party leaders to carry weapons, even without a concrete threat. Intelligence units will provide surveillance and threat assessment around all party leaders.

In parallel, the Democratic party has petitioned the High Court of Justice demanding security for its chairman, Yair Golan, citing dozens of explicit death threats against him. The party argued that each day without security leaves Golan vulnerable.

The Shin Bet's decision regarding Eisenkot was made approximately two months after his party's field commander approached the agency. While the Shin Bet will permit Eisenkot's private guards to be armed during the campaign, the agency's special unit for personal security will not be assigned to him.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly spoke with Shin Bet Director Zini, requesting that Eisenkot be provided with "adequate security, as needed." The Democratic party's petition to the High Court includes quotes of death threats and wishes for Golan's demise, emphasizing the urgency of the matter given the proximity of elections.