Israeli Cabinet Approves Lifetime Security for Netanyahu and Wife Despite Professional Opposition

The Israeli Cabinet Committee on Shin Bet Affairs approved lifetime security protection for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, following a recommendation from Shin Bet chief David Zini. This decision, made on Thursday, includes an option for extension and contrasts with the stance of professional security officials who preferred threat-based, conditional protection. Netanyahu's children, Yair and Avner, will receive security for five years. This means that even if Netanyahu loses upcoming elections, his wife will retain permanent security, and their children will be protected for five years. If Netanyahu remains in office, the security arrangements will continue as usual.

The decision came after intense pressure from Netanyahu's close circle and was revealed by Channel 12's "Central Edition" the previous evening. Despite repeated denials from the Prime Minister's Office in recent days, the Shin Bet chief adopted the view supporting extended protection for Sara Netanyahu and their children. Senior security officials sharply criticized the move, emphasizing that it disregards professional advice to tie security levels to the current threat assessment. They stressed that Zini was appointed precisely to manage such security decisions responsibly.

The story was first reported by N12. The decision has sparked debate about the balance between political influence and professional security assessments in determining personal protection for public figures in Israel.