According to an upcoming edition by N13 journalists Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh, Shin Bet Director Ronen Zini has presented opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with a proposal regarding arrangements for his personal security. The teaser described the proposal as 'absurd.'
Tonight, Shin Bet Director Ronen Zini presented opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with a security proposal that N13 journalists Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh have described in a teaser as "absurd." The development came shortly after Zini publicly took sole responsibility for the original decision not to assign Eisenkot a security detail, in a report published at 19:05 Jerusalem. The full details of the new proposal are expected imminently, and the characterization marks a dramatic turn in the standoff.
The security saga began on Wed Jul 22 at 16:59 Jerusalem, when The Zioneer reported that Eisenkot was not receiving Shin Bet protection and his office had assigned him a personal guard. The following evening (Thu Jul 23, 22:36 Jerusalem), Zini requested a meeting with Eisenkot ahead of a possible power transition. On Tue Jul 28 at 10:24 Jerusalem, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett confirmed that Zini had consulted him on a security matter. On Wed Jul 29 at 21:15 Jerusalem, Eisenkot publicly demanded immediate personal security. On Sun Aug 9 at 15:12 Jerusalem, journalist Rino Tzror issued a radio warning of an assassination threat against Eisenkot, likening the atmosphere to that preceding the Rabin assassination. Earlier today (Sun Aug 23) at 15:13 Jerusalem, the Movement for Quality Government requested that the Attorney General probe contradictions in Zini's statements. At 19:05 Jerusalem, two reports were published simultaneously: Zini took responsibility for the original decision and confirmed consultations with the Central Elections Committee and Judge Solberg; former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen called Zini's decision "puzzling" and stated he is aware of threats against Eisenkot from within and outside the security establishment.
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of a heated political season, with Eisenkot — a former IDF chief of staff and current opposition leader — widely seen as a leading candidate for prime minister. The Shin Bet's refusal to provide official security to a senior political figure drew widespread criticism and raised questions about the agency's criteria for protection.
What remains unclear: the specific content of Zini's proposal and the reason it was characterized as "absurd." It is also unknown whether Eisenkot will accept the proposal and whether the Shin Bet's position has fundamentally shifted.
5 developments
- DevelopingEisenkot not secured by Shin Bet; his office assigns personal guard
- StrongEisenkot demands immediate personal security, according to report
- DevelopingBen Caspit column slams 'no integrity' in Likud and National Unity party slottings
- StrongMovement for Quality Government demands AG probe contradictions in Shin Bet chief's statements on Eizenkot security
Source and signal
- Open-source intake