<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's challenger Benny Gantz is to receive state protection following online threats, a domestic security agency announced on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"The prime minister has approved the Shin Bet's recommendation for close protection of Mr Gantz," a statement from the agency said.</p>

<p>The decision still requires ratification from a security committee.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-announces-two-week-quarantine-for-all-arrivals-285375">Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu announces two-week quarantine for all arrivals</a></strong></p>

<p>In Israel, seven people automatically receive protection from the Shin Bet, including the leader of the opposition.</p>

<p>But Gantz does not officially have that title as the country has been stuck without a fully functioning government for more than a year, with three elections unable to produce a decisive result.</p>

<p>Since the most recent election on March 2, Gantz, who heads the centrist Blue and White party, has been trying to form a government.</p>

<p><strong>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-israels-derby-missile-can-change-the-game-for-indias-fighter-tejas-284764"><span>How Israel's Derby missile can change the game for India's fighter Tejas</span></a></strong></p>

<p>To do so he has sought the backing of the predominantly Arab Joint List, prompting attacks on social media from Jewish rightwingers.</p>

<p>Former armed forces chief Gantz took to Twitter on Saturday to call on Netanyahu to "stop this incitement to violence, do not say that you did not know."</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">נתניהו, עצור את ההסתה הפרועה. אל תגיד שלא ידעת. <a href="https://t.co/tpILuzOVqa">pic.twitter.com/tpILuzOVqa</a></p>
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) <a href="https://twitter.com/gantzbe/status/1236385641069412352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>He posted a message from social media saying "Gantz has to be killed as Rabin was."</p>

<p><strong>Watch: </strong></p>

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<p>Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995 by a rightwing extremist opposed to his peace deal with the Palestinians.</p>

<p>Netanyahu, who at that time was the leader of the opposition, was accused of whipping up hatred against Rabin.</p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's challenger Benny Gantz is to receive state protection following online threats, a domestic security agency announced on Tuesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's challenger Benny Gantz is to receive state protection following online threats, a domestic security agency announced on Tuesday. "The prime minister has approved the Shin Bet's recommendation for close protection of Mr Gantz," a statement from the agency said. The decision still requires ratification from a security committee. Also read: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu announces two-week quarantine for all arrivals In Israel, seven people automatically receive protection from the Shin Bet, including the leader of the opposition. But Gantz does not officially have that title as the country has been stuck without a fully functioning government for more than a year, with three elections unable to produce a decisive result. Since the most recent election on March 2, Gantz, who heads the centrist Blue and White party, has been trying to form a government. Also see: How Israel's Derby missile can change the game for India's fighter Tejas To do so he has sought the backing of the predominantly Arab Joint List, prompting attacks on social media from Jewish rightwingers. Former armed forces chief Gantz took to Twitter on Saturday to call on Netanyahu to "stop this incitement to violence, do not say that you did not know." נתניהו, עצור את ההסתה הפרועה. אל תגיד שלא ידעת. pic.twitter.com/tpILuzOVqa — בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) March 7, 2020 × He posted a message from social media saying "Gantz has to be killed as Rabin was." Watch: × Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995 by a rightwing extremist opposed to his peace deal with the Palestinians. Netanyahu, who at that time was the leader of the opposition, was accused of whipping up hatred against Rabin.

Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz set for official protection after threats

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Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz set for official protection after threats