Shin Bet Grants Close Protection to Gadi Eisenkot Amid Election Tensions

The head of Israel's internal security agency, the Shin Bet, David Zini, has approved close personal protection for Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff and current leader of the Yashar party. The security detail will be provided by the unit responsible for protecting high-profile individuals, with the Shin Bet now tasked with defining the specific arrangements.

This decision follows a period of deliberation after a relevant Knesset committee granted Zini the authority to decide on providing security for the candidate. The situation for Yaïr Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, is still under review, as the Shin Bet has not yet made a final decision regarding his potential protection despite reported threats.

The implementation of security measures for political figures comes amid a particularly tense election campaign in Israel, with legislative elections less than a month away. The heightened security concerns reflect the charged political atmosphere in the country.