Israel Approves Extended Security for Netanyahu Family, Denies to Opposition Leaders
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Israel's ministerial committee approved extended security for Prime Minister Netanyahu's wife and sons until 2031 and for his wife for life, despite professional security assessments deeming it unnecessary. Meanwhile, security for opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan remains uncertain, with the Shin Bet deferring decisions and offering limited alternatives.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's family granted extended security, costing millions annually.
- Security approval contradicts professional Shin Bet risk assessments.
- Opposition leaders Eisenkot and Golan denied similar security.
- Decisions on opposition leaders' security deferred to Shin Bet chief.
- High Court involved in Golan's security petition.
A ministerial committee, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved extended security protection for his wife, Sara, and sons, Yair and Avner. Sara Netanyahu will receive security for the remainder of her husband's life, while her sons will be protected until the end of 2031. This decision was made in July, despite recommendations from professional staff within the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) who assessed the risk as not justifying such prolonged, pre-determined security. The Shin Bet's assessment estimated the annual cost of this security detail at 12 million shekels, with approximately 32 million shekels spent between 2018 and 2023.
Prime Minister Netanyahu himself abstained from voting on the security for his family, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin presiding over the committee discussions. The request for extended security originated from the Prime Minister's office, and reports indicate Sara Netanyahu directly asked the Shin Bet chief for the decision to be made regardless of the upcoming election results. The decision is significant as it ensures protection even if Netanyahu loses the election, though a future ministerial committee could theoretically revoke it.
In contrast, the committee did not definitively approve security for opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan, both former high-ranking military officials now leading political parties. Despite explicit threats against their lives and police assessments of danger, the decision was deferred to Shin Bet chief David Zinni. The advisory committee had recommended security for Eisenkot until the elections, but the Shin Bet ultimately announced it would not provide him with protection, offering instead intelligence support and permission for private security.
The Shin Bet is also delaying a decision on Golan's security, leaving him without protection. His party has petitioned the High Court of Justice, which has requested the Shin Bet reconsider its decision, but no definitive answer has been given. The state has not committed to providing Golan with Shin Bet protection, citing an existing framework for party leaders.
The cost of securing the Netanyahu family is estimated at 12 million shekels annually, covering close protection, vehicles, and drivers. The security for Yair Netanyahu alone is reported to cost between 4 to 6 million shekels per year, partly due to his time spent abroad. This contrasts with the fact that children of former prime ministers are not currently under such protection, suggesting the Netanyahu family's security arrangements are tailored to their specific demands.