Secret Tunnel to Synagogue for Netanyahu Halted Before Use

Ahead of Yom Kippur, the Shin Bet and the Prime Minister's Office's security department began constructing a clandestine passage from Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence on Azza Street in Jerusalem to the "Yad Tamar" synagogue on the adjacent Ha'ari Street. This connection, referred to as a "secret tunnel" by the Prime Minister's Office, was intended to allow Netanyahu to attend prayers on Yom Kippur. However, construction was halted just hours before the start of the Day of Atonement, and the Prime Minister did not use the synagogue.

The 15 to 20-meter-long passage was designed to link Netanyahu's home at 35 Azza Street to the synagogue on Ha'ari Street in the Rehavia neighborhood. It was to be isolated from the public and equipped with air conditioning. The preparations significantly impacted the area, with the street closed to traffic and vehicles removed from a public parking lot. Generators, fencing, tents, and metal detectors for synagogue attendees were brought to the site. Dozens of workers and police officers were involved in the operation, with security personnel also occupying the courtyards of neighboring homes to facilitate construction, according to Ynet.

Despite a significant portion of the "secret tunnel" being built, work ceased shortly before Yom Kippur. Neighbors confirmed to Ynet that Netanyahu did not appear at the synagogue. This resulted in state expenses for unnecessary work and caused restrictions and inconvenience for local residents. Netanyahu's Azza Street home is privately owned but currently serves as the official prime minister's residence while the Balfour Street residence undergoes renovations expected to finish in 2027. Netanyahu actually resides in a different nearby home, with expenses covered by public funds.

For reasons not specified, the Prime Minister's Office prepared for Netanyahu to pray at the Azza Street synagogue on Yom Kippur, but he ultimately did not attend.