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Shin Bet must protect Eisenkot before political violence brings Israel another tragedy - editorial

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israel's Shin Bet security agency has reportedly decided not to provide a security detail to Gadi Eisenkot, a leading challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • The decision comes despite ongoing social media threats against Eisenkot and warnings from the defense sector about potential targeting by hostile actors.
  • Critics argue this decision is perplexing and dangerous, recalling the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the ongoing threat of political violence.

Israel's security services are facing scrutiny over a decision not to provide a security detail to Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming October 27 election. The Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, reportedly denied Eisenkot's request for protection, a move that has drawn sharp criticism and concern.

Eisenkot, head of the Yashar Party, has reportedly been subjected to regular threats on social media. Warnings from the defense sector also suggest that Iran and other hostile actors may target senior Israeli officials. Despite these concerns, Shin Bet chief David Zini's representatives informed Eisenkot's staff that the agency would not assign a permanent security detail. They offered to assign a liaison and gather intelligence only if exceptionally serious threats emerged.

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 letterEisenkot's campaign submitted a letter to the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the attorney-general warning of escalating threats.

This decision stands in contrast to the protection afforded to leading candidates in previous elections. In the 2022 campaign, both Yair Lapid, the sitting prime minister, and Netanyahu, a former leader, received full security details. Eisenkot's campaign has formally objected to the Shin Bet's decision, writing to the Israel Police and the attorney-general. They warned that physical threats against the former IDF chief of staff are escalating and urged a reversal of the decision.

The editorial in the Jerusalem Post highlights the historical context of political violence in Israel, referencing the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Rabin was targeted by an ultranationalist following incitement campaigns over his support for the Oslo Accords. The article argues that the specter of political violence remains a constant threat, and the Shin Bet's decision regarding Eisenkot is particularly worrisome given the heated atmosphere on the Israeli street and online.

Shin Bet chief David Zini not to provide Yashar Party head Gadi Eisenkot with a security detail is so perplexing and worrisome.

— Jerusalem Post EditorialThe editorial expresses concern over the Shin Bet's reported decision regarding Eisenkot's security.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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