Secret Air-Conditioned Tunnel to Synagogue for Netanyahu Unused

The Shin Bet and the Prime Minister's Office security department constructed a secret, sterile tunnel approximately 15 to 20 meters long from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence on Gaza Street 35 in Jerusalem to the Yad Tamar synagogue in the Rehavia neighborhood. The tunnel, equipped with air conditioning, was intended to allow Netanyahu to walk from his home to the synagogue for Yom Kippur prayers. However, construction was halted mid-process, and Netanyahu did not end up attending services at the synagogue.

The project, which caused significant disruption and distress to local residents, involved closing the street to traffic and clearing public parking spaces. Generators, fences, barriers, tents, and magnetometers were brought to the site, and security personnel took over adjacent courtyards to facilitate construction. Dozens of workers and police officers were involved in the operation.

Netanyahu's residence on Gaza Street is his private home but serves as the official prime minister's residence while the Balfour Street official residence undergoes renovations expected to finish in 2027. Netanyahu himself is residing at another taxpayer-funded residence nearby.

Despite the elaborate preparations, the tunnel was ultimately not used. Neighbors reported that Netanyahu did not come to the synagogue for Yom Kippur. In contrast, President Isaac Herzog walked to his synagogue service without any special arrangements.

Reports from Haredi journalists indicate that Netanyahu attended prayers at the home of Haredi businessman Moti Sonnenfeld, accompanied by his wife Sara and sons Yair and Avner. Attendees at Sonnenfeld's synagogue reported that Netanyahu stayed for about three hours, participating in the Kol Nidre and Maariv services.