Ministers’ committee delays decision on Shin Bet protection for Eisenkot and Golan
Published · Updated
What happened
On September 17, the ministerial committee on Shin Bet matters was due to decide on Shin Bet protection for opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan. Most ministers did not attend, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin sent the issue back to Shin Bet chief David Zini after Central Elections Committee chair Justice Noam Sohlberg had pressed for renewed consideration.
Why it matters
The committee’s non-decision leaves campaign security arrangements for named opposition leaders unresolved and keeps a formal dispute active among the Central Elections Committee, the Justice Ministry and Shin Bet. If Shin Bet threat assessments and ministerial approval continue to diverge, the next steps could include another committee session, a new written recommendation, or a court-related procedural clash during the campaign period.
A ministers’ committee that handles Shin Bet matters did not make a September 17 decision on whether opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan should receive Shin Bet protection during the election campaign. After most ministers did not attend, Justice Minister Yariv Levin returned the matter to Shin Bet chief David Zini despite a renewed request from Central Elections Committee chair Justice Noam Sohlberg to revisit the issue. The result is an open institutional dispute between the election authority, cabinet ministers and the security service over who carries responsibility when threat assessments and political approval do not align.
Watch for
Justice Ministry publication of a new ministers’ committee agenda on Shin Bet protection for political leaders by 2026-09-24 Shin Bet chief David Zini submitting a written recommendation or updated threat assessment to the ministers’ committee by 2026-09-24 Central Elections Committee chair Justice Noam Sohlberg issuing a further procedural directive or letter on campaign security arrangements by 2026-09-24 Public confirmation by Gadi Eisenkot or Yair Golan of a petition or formal legal step to compel a committee decision by 2026-09-24
Sources
- אתם נערכים לתרחיש בנוסח גבעת הקפיטול בבחירות? "כן. יש לנו את התרחישים האלה, ועשינו פע · ynet.co.il
- High Court to weigh direct Shin Bet protection for Yair Golan · jpost.com
- Report: High Court asks Golan to withdraw petition seeking Shin Bet security · timesofisrael.com
- Levin allows Shin Bet final say on providing security to political party chiefs · timesofisrael.com
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