Avishai Greenstein Criticizes Gadi Eizenkot Security Campaign as Deceptive Spin

Israeli journalist Avishai Greenstein sharply criticized the campaign demanding that the Shin Bet provide security for Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, calling it a "spin from the land of spins." He argued this narrative originated from Eizenkot's election campaign to strengthen his position within the political bloc. Greenstein emphasized that by law, Shin Bet does not secure candidates for prime minister, especially since the direct election system was abolished, meaning no official status exists for such candidates.

Greenstein stated that granting Eizenkot security would force the Shin Bet to decide who the leading candidate opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is, which he described as politically motivated. Although the campaign targets Shin Bet chief David Zini and Netanyahu, Greenstein claimed its real political aim is to undermine figures like Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan. He noted that media focus on Eizenkot helps cement his image as the main prime ministerial contender, questioning how leadership is determined, whether by a single poll, an average of polls, or number of Knesset seats.

Greenstein also referenced a letter from former Shin Bet and police chiefs reiterating there is no legal or procedural basis to secure Eizenkot. He pointed out that even when Benny Gantz led Blue and White, he was not protected by Shin Bet. Addressing a report by Yedioth Ahronoth journalist Yuval Karni about a direct threat against Eizenkot, Greenstein said the threat originated from a fake Turkish account posing as Israeli to sow division. He concluded that while Eizenkot's campaign is clever in simplicity, it is ultimately false and reckless.