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

The decision was reportedly made despite social media threats against Eisenkot and warnings from the defense sector that hostile actors may target former senior officials.

Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini decided not to provide Yashar Party head Gadi Eisenkot with a security detail, Channel 12 reported Saturday evening. 

The decision is final and has already been conveyed to Eisenkot’s staff, who have repeatedly requested the security detail, according to the report.

The decision was reportedly made despite threats directed at Eisenkot on social media and warnings from the defense sector that Iran and other hostile actors may attempt to target current and former senior officials.

Zini’s representatives told Eisenkot’s staff that while the Shin Bet would not provide him with a security detail, the agency would assign a liaison and gather intelligence if concerns emerged about an exceptionally serious incident. However, the request for permanent protection was denied.

Following the decision, Eisenkot’s campaign submitted its objections in writing to the relevant authorities, including the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the attorney general. The letter warned that threats against the Yashar leader were escalating and called for the decision to be reversed.

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

Eisenkot’s staff argued that the private security already assigned to him was insufficient and that “the physical threat against him is increasing every day.”

Eisenkot's campaign accuses Shin Bet chief of politically motivated actions

The campaign also accused the authorities responsible for his protection of failing to act.

“You bear responsibility for immediately assigning a permanent security detail to Lt.-Gen. Eisenkot,” the letter stated.

It further alleged that the Israeli government, the Ministerial Committee on Shin Bet Affairs, and the committee’s chairman “are failing to fulfill their personal responsibility for political and ulterior motives and are avoiding carrying out their duties.”

Eisenkot’s campaign went a step further, claiming that political considerations were partly responsible for the decision. His staff alleged that one reason Eisenkot had not received state protection was a desire to avoid images of a candidate for prime minister appearing in public surrounded by security personnel, which they argued could strengthen his political standing.

The allegation was made by Eisenkot’s staff and was not an official explanation provided by the Shin Bet.