Israeli Government Approves Multi-Million Shekel Security for Netanyahu Family

The Israeli Cabinet's Security Committee has approved lifetime security protection for Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and extended security for their sons, Yair and Avner, for five years following the upcoming elections. This decision was revealed by Yaron Avraham on the "Central Edition" news program.

The total annual cost of securing the Netanyahu family is estimated at over 4.5 million shekels. Each family member is assigned four rotating bodyguards, each earning approximately 100,000 shekels, with additional expenses for vehicles and drivers estimated at 30,000 shekels per month per protected individual. Monthly security expenses for the family reach about 390,000 shekels.

Yair Netanyahu’s security in Miami significantly increases the overall cost, with annual expenses estimated at 2.5 million shekels. These include 40,000 shekels for flights, 22,000 shekels for daily allowances, and 18,000 shekels for accommodation abroad.

The approval followed a recommendation by David Zini, despite opposition from professional security agencies and a previous stance by the Shin Bet security service. Zini acknowledged the challenges of granting lifetime security but sought to avoid denying Sara Netanyahu’s request outright. The professional agencies had initially recommended security levels based solely on threat assessments rather than lifetime protection.

This decision highlights the substantial financial and operational resources allocated to the security of the Prime Minister’s family, reflecting ongoing debates about the scope and duration of such protections in Israel.