Shin Bet chief says he alone made call to deny Gadi Eisenkot state security

Shin Bet chief Zini has asserted that he alone made the decision to deny a full state security detail to Gadi Eisenkot, who is described as a leading contender for prime minister and a rival to Netanyahu. According to reports from Ynetnews and The Times of Israel, Eisenkot has been forced to carry his own gun because the agency denied him full protection. The situation reached a point where the head of Shin Bet told Eisenkot to use an emergency hotline if something happens, rather than providing a constant security presence. This decision comes despite claims of threats against Eisenkot's safety. Coverage from Yahoo and Haaretz emphasizes that Zini has faced accusations of political motives regarding the rejection of the security detail request.

The Times of Israel reports that the Prime Minister told Shin Bet to ensure that Eisenkot has adequate security, to which the agency responded that it is doing the maximum. Meanwhile, the chair of the elections committee has stated that Shin Bet currently possesses no intelligence suggesting there are active efforts to harm Eisenkot, contrasting with the concerns raised by other parties. Context for this dispute is highlighted by The Jerusalem Post, which references the murder of Yitzhak Rabin to argue that the state must protect Eisenkot from rising threats. The tension centers on the balance between intelligence assessments and the perceived vulnerability of a high-profile political figure during an election cycle. The debate involves multiple government entities, including the Prime Minister's office and the elections committee, all weighing in on whether the current security measures are sufficient for a top political rival.

Future developments depend on whether Shin Bet updates its intelligence regarding threats to Eisenkot. According to the current coverage, the agency maintains that no such intelligence exists, while the Prime Minister continues to call for adequate protection. Observers will be watching to see if the Shin Bet chief maintains his sole responsibility for the decision or if the security arrangement is modified following the public pressure and accusations of political motivation detailed by Yahoo and Haaretz.