Shin Bet head David Zini announced yesterday that the head of the left-wing Yashar party, Gadi Eisenkot, will not be provided with security by the General Security Service.
According to a report on Channel 12, Zini announced that the responsibility for the decision not to secure Eisenkot was his - and he "bears sole responsibility.".
After Zini's decision was announced, an official from Unit 730, the Shin Bet's state security unit, contacted Eisenkot's people, introduced himself, gave his phone number, and said that he would assist them with things like intelligence or other issues, besides security.
During that conversation, it was made clear to Eisenkot's people that there was an attempt to authorize the leftist leader's security guards to travel around armed, but such a decision had not yet been made.
Commentator Avi Greinzig responded: "I'm the only one who can't understand all of Eisenkot's security terror? Is there anything concrete? A specific threat? If the issue is visibility, can't his campaign afford to hire two paid security guards/actors instead of this public humiliation?""
The General Security Service reported that the head of the Shin Bet held a series of consultations with professional bodies regarding the security of Eisenkot, who is not considered a symbol of the government and therefore does not receive security from the Shin Bet.
One of the professionals with whom the Shin Bet chief consulted is the chairman of the Elections Committee, Judge Noam Solberg, but this was apparently more of an update call to Solberg than a real consultation.
Eizenkot officials claim that the danger has increased due to the volatile election campaign and the ongoing threats from Iran against senior Israeli officials. Zini's people responded to Eizenkot headquarters this week, clarifying that they would provide a Shin Bet contact and intelligence assistance before specific events, but would not provide Eizenkot with a security cover.
According to a report by Amit Segal, Netanyahu instructed the head of the Shin Bet this evening to ensure that Yashar Chairman Gadi Eisenkot receives security "at an adequate level, as needed.".
He was informed that the Shin Bet is doing its utmost and acting in accordance with the rules and regulations of the law.
