Netanyahu Orders Shin Bet Chief to Ensure Adequate Security for Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intervened in the controversy surrounding the security arrangements for Gadi Eisenkot, former Chief of Staff and current leader of the Yisrael party. On Sunday evening, Netanyahu instructed Shin Bet chief David Zini to ensure that Eisenkot receives security protection "at an appropriate level, as needed." In response, Shin Bet officials assured the Prime Minister that they are doing their utmost and acting in accordance with legal guidelines.

The issue escalated after reports emerged that Zini had decided not to assign Shin Bet security personnel to Eisenkot. Over the weekend, Zini reportedly spoke with Eisenkot, providing him with a contact number for the Shin Bet operations center and assuring him that "if something happens, this is the number." Subsequently, a Shin Bet official responsible for personal security reached out to Eisenkot, emphasizing that "he is the point of contact."

Earlier on Sunday, Zini took full responsibility for the decision not to provide Eisenkot with security, clarifying that it was his exclusive responsibility. This statement came amid disputes about the role of Noam Solberg, chairman of the Central Election Committee, in the decision. The committee had earlier rejected claims that Solberg had denied Eisenkot security. The controversy began after Channel 12 reported that Zini had decided against assigning Shin Bet protection to Eisenkot, despite repeated requests from Eisenkot's team citing increasing security risks. The discussions on this matter had been ongoing for several weeks, but the final decision was to withhold security personnel.