Shin Bet to Secure Opposition Leader Gadi Eisenkot After Months of Refusal
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The Shin Bet will take over security for Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the Yisrael Party, starting Sunday, after months of refusal. A private firm, funded and supervised by the Shin Bet, will provide the protection, increasing his security detail to that of a defense minister. The decision comes amid election week and follows recommendations from an advisory committee, with the Shin Bet chief having previously declined direct protection.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet will assume full security responsibility for Yisrael Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot starting Sunday.
- A private security firm, funded and supervised by the Shin Bet, will provide Eisenkot's protection.
- Eisenkot's security detail will be increased to the level of a defense minister.
- The Shin Bet chief had previously refused to provide direct personal security for Eisenkot.
- The decision was influenced by Eisenkot's poll standing and the approaching election week.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) will assume full responsibility for the security of Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the Yisrael Party, starting Sunday at 8:00 AM. The actual protection will be carried out by a private security firm contracted by the Shin Bet, under the agency's guidance, supervision, and full funding. This change comes after months of the Shin Bet's refusal to provide direct security, despite recommendations from an advisory committee.
The decision to transfer security responsibility was made following a shift in the Shin Bet's stance, influenced by Eisenkot's position as the leading party chairman in polls and the approaching election week. Previously, Shin Bet chief David Zini had maintained that the agency would only secure senior government officials. Eisenkot's security detail will be increased, with enhanced accompaniment during travel and at events, bringing his protection level to that of a defense minister. Further adjustments to his security arrangements will be evaluated post-election.
In July, Eisenkot's campaign office initially approached the Shin Bet to arrange his security due to threats against senior Israelis, particularly during the election period. When no formal arrangement was made, the party hired private security. In August, Zini reportedly decided against providing close personal protection, offering only intelligence support and a liaison. Eisenkot's team had appealed to the Attorney General, citing growing threats and alleging political motives behind the Shin Bet's decision.
Following public reports in August, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly inquired to ensure Eisenkot was receiving adequate security. The Shin Bet had also authorized Eisenkot's private security guards to carry weapons during the campaign, alongside intelligence support and a direct line to the agency's command center. Despite these measures, the Yisrael Party announced in late September that the Shin Bet would not directly secure Eisenkot, contrary to the advisory committee's recommendation. The new arrangement, however, places the Unit for the Protection of Dignitaries within the Shin Bet in full charge of his security.
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