Shin Bet Allows Armed Private Security for Gadi Eizenkot Amid Threats

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has decided to permit armed private security personnel to protect Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yisrael party, during his election campaign. However, the agency will not provide direct protection through its official security unit, Unit 730. This arrangement comes after Eizenkot and his party requested security assistance due to numerous threats against him.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally urged Shin Bet chief David Zini to ensure Eizenkot receives adequate protection. While Shin Bet will not directly guard Eizenkot, it will provide an intelligence support framework and maintain a direct communication line with the agency’s operations center to monitor his security effectively.

David Zini stated that the responsibility for Eizenkot’s personal security rests solely with Eizenkot himself. Despite being a prominent candidate for prime minister and a high-risk target, Eizenkot will rely on private security guards who have now been authorized to carry firearms. A representative from Unit 730 contacted Eizenkot’s team to offer intelligence assistance but clarified that direct protection would not be provided.

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, a member of Eizenkot’s party, criticized the decision, expressing confusion given the known threats against Eizenkot from various sources. The new security arrangement aims to balance the candidate’s safety needs with Shin Bet’s operational policies as the election campaign progresses.