Netanyahu Ally Questions Shin Bet's Decision Not to Protect Top Candidates Including Gadi Eizenkot

Oren Dovronsky, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved candidate in the Likud primaries, publicly supported the call to provide security for Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of Yisrael Resilience, after the Shin Bet decided not to protect him. Dovronsky responded to a post by businessman Nir Zohar, chairman of Wix, who criticized the Shin Bet's decision, arguing that leading candidates for prime minister should be secured due to the democratic importance of their protection during election campaigns. Dovronsky agreed, stating, "I completely agree with you, Nir Zohar. It is not clear to me what the considerations are for not securing leading candidates for prime minister."

This stance is notable given Dovronsky's previous harsh criticism of Eizenkot. In earlier posts, Dovronsky condemned Eizenkot's comments following the October 7 attack, calling them defeatist. He also challenged Eizenkot's positions on allowing Palestinian workers into Israel, accusing his supporters of being "radical leftists" who believe in occupation and support a Palestinian state. Dovronsky further accused Eizenkot of a defeatist approach, warning that if Israel had followed his advice, Iran might already possess a nuclear bomb.

The debate highlights tensions within the Likud and broader Israeli political discourse over security protocols for political figures and differing views on national security and Palestinian relations. The Shin Bet's decision not to protect Eizenkot remains controversial amid the upcoming elections.