Netanyahu's Circle Pushes Security Agencies to Extend Family Protection for Five More Years

Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pressuring Israeli intelligence and security agencies to support his request for a five-year extension of Shin Bet protection for his family, even if he loses the upcoming elections. Sara Netanyahu has requested lifetime security coverage, rather than the current 20-year limit, but behind the scenes, this demand has sparked disputes and delays.

The issue has caused repeated postponements of the Security Cabinet Committee meetings, which must approve the extension. Security agencies, including Shin Bet, have delayed providing professional assessments. A consultative committee, led by retired Colonel Ronen Cohen (appointed by Netanyahu), convened on Sunday but failed to reach a decision amid disagreements over the lack of security opinions. The committee is expected to meet again soon, pressing agencies to submit their evaluations so the Security Cabinet can make a final ruling.

Netanyahu's requests include extending security for his wife Sara and their children Yair and Avner, unlike the children of former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, who currently do not receive protection. Netanyahu's team argues that the evolving threat landscape, especially following Israel's targeted killings in Iran and against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, justifies revisiting security arrangements.

A source familiar with the matter said Netanyahu and his wife want to secure protection regardless of election outcomes, fearing a new government might revoke it. While there is consensus on the need for continued security due to credible threats, debate centers on the duration of the extension and whether a fixed five-year term should be set now. Experts suggest if Netanyahu wins, security can continue as needed, and if he loses, the next prime minister might hesitate to remove protection entirely.

Previously, the Security Cabinet granted Sara Netanyahu and her sons Shin Bet protection until the end of 2026, after initially recommending a six-month period. The responsibility for their security was transferred from the Prime Minister's Office to the national Shin Bet unit due to threat assessments. Meanwhile, Netanyahu himself is entitled to Shin Bet protection for 20 years post-premiership, potentially until age 96. The ongoing delay stems from the absence of formal recommendations from security agencies, prolonging the decision-making process. Ronen Cohen declined to comment on the matter.