Former Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Israel Ehud Barak was warned by Shin Bet head Nadav Argaman recently of threats against his life should he travel abroad. According to Israeli media, Argaman visited the former Prime Minister’s apartment in Tel Aviv in the past few days in order to give over the warning in person.

Barak has been using his own weapon for protection as the country has no given him a security detail for some time, at his own request. The request was granted by a special ministerial committee in a decision that was hotly disputed.

According to the report, Argaman informed Barak that Iranian operatives will attempt to harm Israeli officials during their travels abroad and wished to offer him protection during his planned trip.

Barak let it be known that he carries a personal weapon inside a bag on an Israeli satire TV show. Blamed his good behavior and cutbacks for the reason as to why he no longer had a security detail.

Recently, security has been increased at Jewish and Israeli institutions across the globe in fear that Iran would retaliate for Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria. Institutions such as embassies, synagogues, and Jewish schools among others have had their security measures reinforced. Israel’s envoys being sent abroad have also been instructed to be on extremely high alert and to alter their routine regularly in order to thwart potential attempts to target them.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)