Yair Lapid Condemns Shin Bet's Decision to Deny Security to Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot

Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized the Shin Bet's recent decision not to provide security to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Speaking on Kan Reshet Bet radio, Lapid called the move a "scandal" and warned that the Shin Bet would bear responsibility if any harm came to Eisenkot, who is now chairman of the Yesh Atid party. Lapid contrasted Eisenkot's lack of protection with the full security coverage given to Yair Netanyahu in Miami, emphasizing that Eisenkot clearly needs protection and labeling the decision as irresponsible.

The controversy arose after Shin Bet head David Zini decided not to assign security to Eisenkot, as reported by Channel 12 news. Eisenkot's team responded with a strongly worded letter to involved officials, including the government legal advisor, accusing the government and relevant committees of neglecting their personal responsibility for security due to political motives. This decision comes amid escalating political tensions between the government and Eisenkot, who has emerged as a leading rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Recent polls show Eisenkot's Yesh Atid party leading with 26 seats, significantly ahead of Netanyahu's Likud. Eisenkot's staff views the Shin Bet's refusal as a politically motivated and problematic step. The letter highlights sharp criticism of the government's failure to provide security to senior figures, suggesting the decision is driven by political considerations rather than security assessments.