Cabinet Delays Shin Bet Security Approval for Gadi Eisenkot
The ministerial committee has failed to convene to approve Shin Bet security for Yeshar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, leaving him with private security just 51 days before the Knesset elections.
Eight days have passed since the Public Advisory Committee recommended that the Shin Bet security service provide protection for Yeshar party leader Gadi Eisenkot until the upcoming elections. However, the ministerial committee on Shin Bet affairs has yet to convene to approve the recommendation.
With no future meeting date set, Gadi Eisenkot continues to rely on private security funded by his political party. A source familiar with the matter stated:
"This is undoubtedly a strange situation. There are less than two months left until the elections, after which Eisenkot will become a Knesset member and receive security from the Knesset anyway."
Security Disparities Among Party Leaders
The Advisory Committee for Personal Security is also scheduled to meet to discuss protection for the leader of the Democrats party, Yair Golan. No date has been set for this meeting either, despite only 51 days remaining until the elections for the 26th Knesset.
Among all party leaders, Yair Golan remains in the most vulnerable position, as he is not currently a member of the Knesset and receives no state-funded security. In contrast:
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Naftali Bennett is secured by the Shin Bet as a former prime minister.
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Yair Lapid is secured by the Shin Bet as a former prime minister and leader of the opposition.
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Avigdor Lieberman and MK Mansour Abbas receive security details from the Knesset.
While the advisory committee is expected to recommend Shin Bet protection for Yair Golan as well, these recommendations remain meaningless without the ministerial committee's formal approval.
Dispute Over Security Protocols
Colonel (res.) Ronen Cohen, head of the Public Advisory Committee, commented on the delay:
"I do not know when the ministerial committee will convene, as I am not a party to that decision. Any further discussions on the matter will only take place after the ministerial committee meets."
The advisory committee approved security for Gadi Eisenkot last month, overriding the stance of Shin Bet chief David Zini, who opposed the move despite reported threats against the candidate.
In response to inquiries, the Shin Bet stated:
"The protection of state symbols by the Shin Bet is determined by law and in accordance with the decisions of the ministerial committee on Shin Bet affairs. It should be emphasized that the Shin Bet conducts ongoing situational assessments and intelligence monitoring to detect and thwart any threats against Gadi Eisenkot."
