Shin Bet Refuses to Provide Security for Former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot

Shin Bet chief David Zini has decided that the agency will not provide security for Gadi Eizenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and current chairman of the Yisrael party. This decision comes despite repeated requests from Eizenkot's party headquarters, including a letter sent this week by Ron Barkai, which followed an earlier unanswered appeal from July 20. Barkai's letters highlighted the increasing threats against Eizenkot amid a heated political climate and social media hostility.

The party currently employs an unarmed private security firm to protect Eizenkot, a measure taken without access to necessary intelligence on the threat level. Barkai cited specific incidents, including a recent close encounter with extremist Mordechai David during a field visit, which underscored the inadequacy of current security arrangements. Additionally, threatening messages on social media, such as one posted on platform X warning of punishment for "traitors," have raised concerns about Eizenkot's safety.

Despite these warnings and the party's insistence, Shin Bet has verbally communicated its refusal to provide official protection. The decision leaves Eizenkot without formal state security ahead of the upcoming elections, where he is considered a leading contender against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.