The Shin Bet has reportedly given approval for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to be accompanied by armed private security personnel, but will not provide the guards from its own ranks, according to a Times of Israel report. The development follows Shin Bet Director David Zini's confirmation earlier today that Eisenkot would receive armed private security, as reported by The Zioneer at 15:33.
The Shin Bet has authorized opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to employ armed private security personnel but will not provide the guards from its own ranks, according to a Times of Israel report published Monday at 16:56 Jerusalem. The clarification comes a day after Shin Bet Director David Zini confirmed that Eisenkot would receive armed private security, as The Zioneer reported on Sunday at 15:47.
Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff and current opposition candidate for prime minister, has not been under Shin Bet protection since at least July. As The Zioneer reported on Jul 22, his office assigned him a personal security guard in the absence of agency-provided protection. On Jul 29, Eisenkot demanded immediate personal security coverage, according to a report.
On Sunday, the security coverage issue progressed rapidly: Zini accepted full responsibility for the earlier decision not to secure Eisenkot; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Zini to ensure "appropriate level" security; and Zini confirmed that Eisenkot would receive armed private security. However, the latest report indicates the agency itself will not supply the guards, leaving the arrangement to private means.
The reasons for the Shin Bet's refusal to provide its own agents have not been detailed. It remains unclear whether the arrangement will involve contracted private security firms or other measures. The decision reflects ongoing discussions about security coverage for senior political figures not in roles that automatically qualify for Shin Bet protection.
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