Shin Bet chief: I alone decided to deny Gadi Eisenkot security detail

Shin Bet Director David Zini has asserted that the decision to withhold a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief and current prime ministerial candidate, was his alone. A statement released on Zini's behalf clarified that the Shin Bet chief bears sole responsibility for this matter.

This clarification emerged after uncertainty arose following a statement from the Central Elections Committee (CEC). The CEC confirmed that Zini had contacted its head, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, after the Yashar party requested security for its leader. Zini informed the committee that the Shin Bet currently possesses no intelligence suggesting any intention to harm Eisenkot.

Justice Sohlberg also noted that he lacks the authority to mandate security detail for the Yashar chief. He requested that the Shin Bet chief inform the committee if any threats are identified later in the election season. Meanwhile, Shin Bet sources indicated that security for prominent figures is determined by law and assessments from the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs, emphasizing ongoing threat monitoring and communication with Eisenkot's private security.

Despite the Shin Bet's assessment, Eisenkot's Yashar party has formally objected to the decision. The party submitted written objections, warning of escalating threats against Eisenkot and calling for the reversal of the decision. Yashar's staff argue that the private security currently assigned to Eisenkot is inadequate and that the physical threat against him is increasing daily.