Eisenkot Wins State Backing for Private Guard After Months of Dispute

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, will receive state-directed security protection beginning Sunday. The arrangement places a private security firm under the direct command of Unit 730 within the Shin Bet. This shift resolves a dispute over whether the opposition leader required the same level of protection afforded to other political figures.

The Shin Bet initially rejected Eisenkot's request in August. Director David Zini concluded that Eisenkot did not satisfy the requirements for Unit 730 coverage. The stance changed after the Advisory Committee for Personal Security reviewed new intelligence in September. The committee recommended state oversight based on updated threat assessments, leading Zini to approve the security measures.

The approved protocol includes specific operational changes for party leaders. Intelligence units will provide an oversight and support framework. Security teams hired by party leaders are now permitted to carry weapons. The Shin Bet will coordinate with these private teams and conduct periodic evaluations of the threat level facing each individual.

The Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs granted Zini the authority to establish these rules. The authorization applies to party leaders who do not hold public office or qualify for standard state protection. This mandate remains active until the next Knesset is sworn in. The Yashar party noted in September that no security detail had been assigned despite the initial approval.

Not all leaders have received similar accommodations. Yair Golan, head of The Democrats, petitioned for Shin Bet protection citing a comparable threat level. The agency has denied his request for immediate coverage at this stage.