Gadi Eisenkot may receive Shin Bet protection amid rising security threats

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) is currently holding discussions on whether to provide security for 'Yashar' party chairman Gadi Eisenkot. The review is being conducted against the backdrop of increasing threats against senior Israeli officials, a development first reported two weeks ago.

Currently, the guards protecting the Prime Minister candidate do not carry weapons. Eisenkot's field headquarters chief has already expressed concern to the Shin Bet and the Police Commissioner regarding the lack of armed protection.

"He must be provided with a proper security envelope," was stated on behalf of the headquarters chief in light of the current security and political situation.

Under existing law, the Shin Bet only secures individuals defined as symbols of government, a category that does not currently include Eisenkot. As part of the ongoing review, officials are examining the legal feasibility of the move, including the potential involvement of the IDF or the Knesset Guard.

Security officials increasingly agree that the current reality is unsustainable. The prospect of a leading candidate for Prime Minister moving through an intense election campaign while facing Iranian threats, protected only by unarmed guards, is viewed as an impossible risk. While a final decision has not yet been made, this is the direction in which security professionals are leaning.