Shin Bet Urges Party Leaders to Hire Private Security
Amid election campaign threats, the Shin Bet recommends political party leaders hire private security, including Yashar Party chair Gadi Eisenkot.
Jerusalem, 29 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Shin Bet has told political party leaders that they should consider hiring private security for the upcoming election campaign. The recommendation comes amid concerns over threats against political figures and the absence of a formal arrangement for protecting party leaders who do not currently hold state positions.
By law, the Shin Bet is in charge of the protection of government institutions and senior officials, such as the prime minister, certain ministers, or other individuals, depending on government decisions and the level of threat.
Shin Bet Director David Zini was recently authorized to determine the security response for party leaders who are not currently protected by the service.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar Party, is currently protected privately but is not receiving personal protection from the Shin Bet. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, is seeking security protection.