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Shin Bet head rejects Eisenkot's security detail request, accused of political motives - report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Shin Bet chief David Zini has denied a request for a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar Party, despite social media threats and defense warnings.
  • Eisenkot's campaign argues the decision is politically motivated and that the threats against him are escalating.
  • The Shin Bet offered to assign a liaison and gather intelligence on serious incidents but denied permanent protection.

Shin Bet chief David Zini has decided against providing a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar Party, a decision that has reportedly been conveyed to Eisenkot's staff who had repeatedly requested the protection. This decision comes despite ongoing social media threats against Eisenkot and warnings from the defense sector about potential targeting of former senior officials by hostile actors, including Iran.

The atmosphere on the Israeli street, as well as on social media, is becoming increasingly heated, and threats are emerging and multiplying.

— Eisenkot's campaign letterDescribing the escalating threats against Gadi Eisenkot.

Eisenkot's campaign has formally objected to the decision, submitting written complaints to the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the attorney general. Their letter highlights the increasingly heated atmosphere on Israeli streets and social media, with threats against the Yashar leader multiplying daily. The campaign asserts that Eisenkot's current private security is insufficient and that the physical threat against him is growing.

Sources close to Eisenkot's campaign have accused the authorities responsible for his protection of failing to act and suggested that political considerations may be influencing the Shin Bet's decision. They allege that the government and the Ministerial Committee on Shin Bet Affairs are avoiding their duties due to "political and ulterior motives." The campaign further claims that a desire to avoid images of a prime ministerial candidate surrounded by security personnel, which could boost his public image, might be a factor in the denial.

You bear responsibility for immediately assigning a permanent security detail to Lt.-Gen. Eisenkot.

— Eisenkot's campaign letterDemanding action from the authorities responsible for security.

While the Shin Bet will not provide permanent protection, Zini's representatives informed Eisenkot's staff that the agency would assign a liaison and gather intelligence if concerns about a particularly serious incident arise. However, the request for ongoing, dedicated security was definitively denied.

political and ulterior motives and are avoiding carrying out their duties.

— Eisenkot's campaignAccusing authorities of failing to fulfill their responsibilities due to political reasons.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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