Shin Bet Oversight: New Security Protocol for Gadi Eisenkot

The security landscape for one of Israel's most prominent political figures shifts this weekend.

The Yashar party announced that the Shin Bet will assume direct control of the security arrangements for party chairman Gadi Eisenkot starting this coming Sunday. Under the new protocol, a private security firm will provide the physical guard service. However, this team will operate strictly under the command of Unit 730, the elite division of the domestic security agency responsible for protecting high-ranking officials.

This development marks the culmination of a lengthy process. For months, party leaders have sought expanded state protection. In August, Shin Bet chief David Zini initially concluded that Eisenkot did not meet the specific criteria required for Unit 730 protection. That stance reversed after the Advisory Committee for Personal Security reviewed updated intelligence and threat evaluations in September. The committee subsequently recommended that the agency take over the oversight of his security, a recommendation Zini ultimately approved.

Despite the official approval, there was a delay in implementation. In September, the Yashar party noted to this outlet that no security detail had yet been formally assigned to Eisenkot. The gap between the decision and the deployment has now closed, with the new arrangements set to begin on Sunday morning.

The Shin Bet detailed the broader measures Zini approved for party leaders. These include an intelligence support framework, permission for hired security teams to carry weapons, and direct coordination between state agents and private guards. The agency will also conduct periodic assessments to gauge the specific threat level facing each leader. This authority was granted by the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs. It allows the chief to set security for party heads who do not hold public office and are not otherwise entitled to state protection. This authorization remains valid until the next Knesset is sworn in.

Not every request for such protection has been granted. Yair Golan, the chairman of The Democrats, also petitioned for Shin Bet coverage. He argued that his threat level was comparable to that of Eisenkot. At this stage, the agency has denied Golan immediate protection, highlighting that the new protocol is applied selectively based on specific intelligence reviews.

The shift places the safety of a major opposition figure under more direct state supervision. While the private firm handles the day-to-day guarding, the ultimate decision-making power rests with the Shin Bet. This ensures that security protocols can be adjusted quickly if the threat environment changes.