Israeli bodyguards: Secret weapon of Hollywood stars

Celebs rely on Israeli security as they don’t leak ‘dirty’ secrets

LOS ANGELES: Lindsay Lohan totes one to dance class. Eva Longoria takes one shopping. Jennifer and Brad shared one before their divorce. It’s the latest celebrity craze since adopting African babies — an Israeli bodyguard with training from the Israel Defence Forces.

Recently, Lohan unveiled her new bodyguard — an unnamed ex-Israeli Army specialist. Kevin Federline’s lawyer hired IDF-trained Aaron Cohen, founder of the Beverly Hills-based IMS Security, to serve Britney Spears’ camp with subpoenas for their custody battle.

For more than a decade, Avi Korein was Gibson’s personal bodyguard before he opened his own Beverly Hills security firm, Screen International Security Services.

So what’s the allure of these Israeli security mavens? According to industry experts, it’s a combination of discretion and training.

“There’s a mystique surrounding the Israeli military, based on their past performance and handling of information,” says an American IDF-trained security specialist in the Washington, DC area who gives his name solely as “Josh” for security purposes. Josh served in the Israeli infantry as a designated marksman.

“In America, particularly in the celebrity scene, there are occasional leaks of personal information,” he adds. “But it doesn’t happen in Israel. Privacy is of great concern.”

While celebrities might favour their ability to check wagging tongues, security firm CEOs seek out ex-Israeli military members for their training — particularly when it comes to high-alert situations.

Elijah Shaw, CEO of Icon Services Corporation in Minnesota, says, “I’ve used members of the Israel Special Forces when I’ve had a high-level threat.” His clients include Naomi Campbell, Michael Bolton and 50 Cent. With personal screening like that, no wonder Hollywood’s elite are putting their trust in this new breed of Israeli commandos.