Shin Bet Chief Supports Lifetime Security for Sara Netanyahu Following Her Request

The Shin Bet has submitted a professional opinion supporting Sara Netanyahu's request for lifetime security protection. This effectively marks Shin Bet Chief David Zini's concession to the demand. The opinion was delivered on Wednesday morning to the advisory committee, led by retired Colonel Ronen Cohen, who was appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This committee consolidates security agencies' recommendations and forwards its advice to the ministerial committee on Shin Bet matters, which is scheduled to convene Wednesday evening after the government meeting to approve the request.

The ministerial meeting on this issue had been repeatedly postponed due to delays in receiving the Shin Bet's opinion. The advisory committee met Wednesday to reconsider the security agencies' recommendations, including the proposal for lifetime protection for Sara Netanyahu. Sources familiar with the committee's discussions indicated that the security assessment was finally submitted after days of refusal.

Prime Minister Netanyahu seeks to expand security arrangements for the "family of a former prime minister," although children of previous prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid currently do not receive such protection. Netanyahu's circle argues that the ongoing war and evolving threat landscape justify a reassessment of security protocols. The main rationale for the policy change is the increased threats to government symbols amid the conflict. Security professionals debate the appropriate duration for such protection and whether it should apply to former prime ministers' families.

According to insiders, the security level will be standardized for all former prime ministers but tailored in practice to Netanyahu's requests. Netanyahu's team aims to secure a "safety net" in case he loses upcoming elections, ensuring lifetime Shin Bet protection for Sara and their children. They fear a future government might revoke current security arrangements, as ministerial committees can overturn previous decisions.

Previously, the ministerial committee granted Sara Netanyahu and their sons, Yair and Avner, Shin Bet protection. The advisory committee initially recommended six months of protection, but the ministerial committee extended it to a full year, until the end of 2026. Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar endorsed transferring their security responsibility from the Prime Minister's Office unit to the Shin Bet's official protection unit, based on threat assessments.

In contrast, Benjamin Netanyahu himself already has a long-term security arrangement, with Shin Bet protection guaranteed for 20 years after his term ends. At age 76, this means he could be protected until age 96 under the current decision.