Decision grants long-term protection to prime minister, wife and sons following security assessments
JERUSALEM: An Israeli ministerial committee overseeing Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) affairs has approved extended personal security protection for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s immediate family following updated threat assessments by national security agencies.
According to Israeli media reports, the committee decided on Thursday to grant Prime Minister Netanyahu lifelong security protection. His wife, Sara Netanyahu, will continue to receive personal protection for as long as the prime minister remains alive, while their sons, Yair and Avner Netanyahu, will receive security coverage for at least the next five years.
Sources familiar with the discussions said committee members considered several options before reaching a consensus. Earlier deliberations reportedly included granting Sara Netanyahu lifelong protection and reviewing the security arrangements for the couple’s sons on an annual basis.
Decision remains valid beyond future elections
Officials said the approved security measures will remain in effect regardless of the outcome of Israel’s next parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. The committee noted that the decision is based on current security assessments rather than political developments.
The approval follows a recommendation by Shin Bet Director David Zini, who reportedly endorsed the Netanyahu family’s request for extended protection before presenting the proposal to the ministerial committee for final approval.
Security agencies cite continuing threats
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that both the Shin Bet and the Mossad assessed that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his immediate family continue to face significant long-term security risks following recent regional conflicts involving Israel.
According to the reports, intelligence officials believe the threat level against the family remains elevated due to potential retaliation by hostile actors. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed specific intelligence or operational details supporting the assessment.
Committee sources also clarified that the latest decision applies exclusively to the Netanyahu family. Any future requests involving the relatives of former Israeli prime ministers, including Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Ehud Olmert and Ehud Barak, will be reviewed separately based on individual security evaluations and prevailing threat assessments.
