Shin Bet to Secure Opposition Leader Eisenkot After Months of Refusal

By ירון אברהם

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

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Hebrew · 9 newsrooms covering

The Shin Bet security agency will provide full security for Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the Yisrael Party, starting Sunday, after months of refusal. The protection will be handled by a private firm under Shin Bet guidance and funding, with an increased number of guards. This decision follows recommendations and concerns over threats, especially with elections approaching. Eisenkot will receive security at the level of a defense minister.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Shin Bet will provide full security for Yisrael Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot starting Sunday.
Protection will be handled by a private company under Shin Bet guidance and funding.
Eisenkot's security detail will be increased to the level of a defense minister.
The decision follows months of Shin Bet refusal despite advisory committee recommendations.
The change is influenced by Eisenkot's poll standing and the upcoming election week.

Shin Bet to Secure Opposition Leader Eisenkot After Months of Refusal — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Shin Bet 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 company working with the Shin Bet, under the agency's guidance and full financial responsibility. This change comes after months of refusal by the Shin Bet to provide close protection, despite recommendations from an advisory committee.

Eisenkot's security detail will be increased, with enhanced accompaniment during travel and at events. Security officials stated that he will now receive protection at the level of a defense minister. Further adjustments to his security arrangements will be evaluated after the upcoming elections.

The decision marks a shift in the Shin Bet's stance, influenced by Eisenkot's position as the leading party's chairman in polls and the approach of election week. Previously, Shin Bet chief David Zini had resisted providing direct security, adhering to a policy of protecting only symbols of government. Eisenkot's party had hired private security in July due to threats against senior Israeli officials and concerns about escalation during the election campaign.

In August, Zini reportedly decided against providing close protection, offering only intelligence support. Eisenkot's staff had approached the Attorney General, citing growing threats and alleging political motives behind the decision. The Shin Bet responded at the time that ongoing intelligence monitoring and threat assessments were in place, along with communication with his private security firm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later inquired to ensure Eisenkot was receiving adequate security.

In September, the Yisrael Party was informed that the Shin Bet would not directly secure Eisenkot, contrary to the advisory committee's recommendation. A framework was proposed for party leaders involving threat monitoring, arming private security, and coordination with the security apparatus. Now, with elections imminent, the Shin Bet's VIP protection unit will take over complete responsibility.