Netanyahu Confirms He Asked Shin Bet Chief to Ensure Gadi Eizenkot’s Security

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the controversy surrounding the security arrangements for Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, revealing that he personally contacted Shin Bet chief David Zini to ensure Eizenkot receives appropriate protection as a candidate for prime minister. Netanyahu made these remarks during a conversation with journalist Noam Amir, who highlighted criticism comparing the security detail provided to Netanyahu’s family with that given to Eizenkot.

Netanyahu stated, "I spoke with the head of Shin Bet and asked him to ensure the proper security for anyone running for prime minister, within the legal and accepted framework. There is no problem with that, quite the opposite." This came amid claims from senior members of the "Yashar!" party that their urgent request for close Shin Bet security for Eizenkot was denied despite threats and incitement against him.

The party argued that the private security currently assigned to Eizenkot was insufficient given his status as a former IDF Chief of Staff and prime ministerial candidate. The issue sparked political debate, including comparisons to the security afforded to Netanyahu’s children. Subsequently, it was reported that Shin Bet chief David Zini decided Eizenkot would receive armed security through a private company, not Shin Bet personnel, but with intelligence support and direct communication with the Shin Bet operations center.