One Leader Gets State Guard

Gadi Eisenkot, the chairman of the Yashar party, will begin receiving security services directed by the Shin Bet on Sunday.

The shift follows a review process that began in August. At that time, Shin Bet chief David Zini determined that Eisenkot did not meet the criteria for protection by the elite Unit 730. The Advisory Committee for Personal Security later examined updated intelligence in September. That review led to a recommendation that the agency oversee his security. Yashar officials told The Jerusalem Post in September that no detail had been assigned yet, despite Zini's approval.

From Sunday morning, a private security company will guard Eisenkot. The firm will operate under the direct instruction of Unit 730. The Shin Bet outlined a framework of measures for party leaders. These include an intelligence oversight and support system, permission for hired security teams to carry weapons, and coordination between the agency and those teams. The agency will also conduct periodic situation assessments to gauge threat levels.

The Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs granted Zini the authority to set these arrangements. This applies to party leaders who hold no public office and lack other state protection entitlements. The authorization remains in force until the next Knesset is sworn in. Not every leader who requested protection received it. Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats, petitioned for similar coverage, citing a threat level comparable to Eisenkot's. The Shin Bet has denied him immediate protection at this stage.