The Supreme Court held a hearing on the petition filed by the 'Democrats' party against the Shin Bet's decision not to provide security for its chairman, Major General (res. ) Yair Golan. The petition was filed against Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, the Ministerial Committee on Shin Bet Affairs, and the Government of Israel, following claims by the party that police had assessed the threat level against Golan as high (level 4 out of 6). According to the petitioners, examples of hundreds of serious threats received against Golan in recent times were presented to the court.
During the hearing, which included an ex-parte consultation with Shin Bet representatives, Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit clarified the bench's position. Justice Amit noted that the issue raised is being taken seriously, but emphasized that courts traditionally do not intervene in the professional considerations of security agencies tasked with such matters. Consequently, President Amit suggested that the 'Democrats' party representatives withdraw the petition.
In response, the party representative complained that the current situation prevents the proper conduct of an election campaign. A State Attorney representative clarified during the hearing that a dedicated Shin Bet liaison has been appointed to provide the party with a regulated security outline, and that after reviewing this plan, the party could decide on its next legal steps, including the option to withdraw the petition. The hearing also revealed that the Shin Bet is expected to assist the police in specific events based on provided intelligence and continues ongoing activity regarding personal security.
It should be noted that prior to this hearing, the High Court had ordered the respondents—the Shin Bet head, the ministerial committee, and the government—to re-examine the need for security based on the current threat assessment. The security issue had shifted between the political advisory committee, which refrained from making a recommendation, and the Ministerial Committee on Shin Bet Affairs, which delegated the authority to the head of the Shin Bet. The practical significance for the Israeli political and legal system lies in the delicate balance between the need to ensure the safety of public figures and the independent judgment of security agencies.
Decisions of this nature generally remain at the professional discretion of security personnel, with the court choosing not to substitute their expertise with its own judicial discretion.