Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director David Zini has decided against providing former Defense Minister Gadi Eisenkot with a state-funded security detail, according to a report by Channel 12 on Saturday evening.
The decision, reportedly final, was communicated directly to Eisenkot’s team after repeated requests for protective services, the network said.
Despite ongoing threats aimed at Eisenkot across social media platforms and intelligence sector warnings that Iran and other adversarial entities might target current or former high-level officials, the agency declined to assign him a dedicated security detail.
Zini’s office reportedly informed Eisenkot’s staff that while the Shin Bet would maintain a liaison and provide intelligence support in the event of a critical threat, a permanent security arrangement would not be implemented.
In response, Eisenkot’s campaign submitted formal objections to multiple agencies—including the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the Attorney General—in what sources described as growing frustration over the handling of his safety concerns. The letter warned that hostile rhetoric targeting the Yesh Atid party leader was intensifying and urged a reversal of the decision.
“The atmosphere on the Israeli street, as well as on social media, is becoming increasingly heated, and threats are emerging and multiplying,” the letter read.
Eisenkot’s team argued that the existing private security detail was inadequate given the elevated risk profile and requested immediate action to ensure his protection.
The statement emphasized: “You bear responsibility for immediately assigning a permanent security detail to Lt.-Gen. Eisenkot.”
Additionally, the letter accused government officials—including the Israeli cabinet, the Ministerial Committee on Shin Bet Affairs, and its chair—of neglecting their duties due to alleged political motives rather than national interest.
Eisenkot’s camp also suggested that political calculations played a role in the denial of protection, speculating internally that denying visible security coverage could hinder his public image during the campaign season. These claims were attributed solely to Eisenkot’s representatives and were not confirmed by official statements from the Shin Bet.
