Shin Bet Chief Denies Gadi Eizenkot’s Request for Close Security Detail Amid Rising Threats

Shin Bet chief David Zini has decided not to assign a close security detail to Gadi Eizenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and current chairman of the Yashar party, despite repeated requests from Eizenkot’s team. The decision comes amid heightened threats linked to the election campaign, public discourse, and Iranian warnings against Israeli officials. Eizenkot’s staff had appealed for expanded protection, citing a significant increase in physical risks to him.

The Shin Bet offered to provide Eizenkot with a liaison officer and intelligence support for specific events but refused to grant a full close protection detail. Following this, Eizenkot’s team sent a strongly worded letter to involved parties, including the government legal advisor, protesting the decision and warning of its consequences. The letter highlighted the escalating hostile atmosphere in Israeli society and social media, emphasizing that the current private security is insufficient and that the physical threat to Eizenkot grows daily.

The letter also accused decision-makers of avoiding approval of close Shin Bet protection for Eizenkot due to alleged political and external considerations, urging immediate deployment of Shin Bet security personnel to safeguard him.