Eisenkot’s team said to warn Shin Bet that he is under threat, has no armed security

Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, now leading the Yashar party, has hired private bodyguards after warning the Shin Bet he faces threats but lacks state-issued armed security. His campaign sent a letter to security officials noting the lack of protection as elections approach.

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, who now heads the centrist Yashar party and is polling as a leading contender against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been forced to hire private bodyguards ahead of the October elections. According to a Channel 12 news report on Wednesday, Eisenkot's campaign field director sent a letter to Shin Bet chief David Zini, Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, and other security officials warning that Eisenkot is under threat but is not entitled to state-issued armed security. The letter stated that due to recent incidents and troubling publications, the campaign decided to secure Eisenkot with a private security firm, but noted that permission for armed protection was not granted, leaving the detail unarmed. The report highlighted that Eisenkot will be particularly exposed as the campaign heats up, with public appearances advertised in advance. The law does not mandate state protection for Eisenkot as he is not a government figure, despite rising fears of political violence. The Shin Bet has not yet responded, and the issue is under review. Separately, Hebrew media reported that the security establishment believes Iran has intensified efforts to harm current and former senior Israeli officials.