Netanyahu Seeks Five-Year Extension for Family Security Protection Ahead of Elections

Months before Israel's October 27 elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has requested that the Shin Bet continue providing security protection for his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and their sons, Yair and Avner, for an additional five years beyond the current arrangement. Currently, the family is protected by the Shin Bet's National Security Protection Unit until the end of 2026. The unusual request, which would extend protection until the end of 2031 regardless of election outcomes, is set to be discussed by the Ministerial Committee on Shin Bet Affairs, chaired by Netanyahu himself, on Wednesday. It is widely expected to be approved.

The request aims to secure the family's safety even if Netanyahu loses the upcoming election and ceases to be prime minister. While no formal security assessments have yet been submitted to the committee, sources indicate strong behind-the-scenes pressure from Netanyahu's circle to guarantee prolonged protection. This move contrasts with the current lack of security for the children of former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.

Netanyahu's team justifies the extension by citing the changed threat landscape following recent Israeli operations against Iranian targets and senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures. The committee includes Justice Minister Yariv Levin, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Education Minister Yoav Kisch. An advisory panel led by retired Colonel Ronen Cohen, a former military intelligence officer and Netanyahu supporter, also influences the decision.

While there is consensus on the need for continued protection due to credible threats, debate centers on the length of the extension. Some insiders argue that a five-year automatic extension is unnecessary, suggesting shorter periods with reassessments would suffice. Netanyahu himself is already entitled to Shin Bet protection for 20 years after leaving office, potentially until age 96. The family’s security arrangements have previously been extended beyond initial recommendations, reflecting heightened concern for their safety.

Additional reports that Sara Netanyahu pressured the Prime Minister's Office to raise security fences at their Jerusalem and Caesarea homes were denied by the Prime Minister's Office. Both Shin Bet and the National Security Council declined to comment on the matter.