Israeli Cabinet Committee Approves Lifetime Security for Sara Netanyahu

The Israeli Cabinet Committee on Shin Bet Affairs has approved extending security arrangements for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family. The decision grants Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's wife, lifetime personal security coverage, with an option to extend beyond his lifetime. Additionally, their children, Yair and Avner Netanyahu, will receive government security protection for five years after Netanyahu leaves office.

This unprecedented move was recommended directly by Alon Zini, head of the Personal Security and Government Offices Division, and goes against the advice of other professional security and defense officials who opposed such a long-term operational commitment. The decision reshapes the security framework for Netanyahu’s family regardless of whether he continues as Prime Minister.

The practical implication is that even if Netanyahu is replaced or loses future elections, his wife will continue to have constant security detail, and his children will be protected for an additional five years, all funded by the state budget. This has sparked significant public and political controversy, especially amid past criticism over the high costs of security for the Netanyahu family, particularly during overseas trips.

The approval also comes amid tensions between the Prime Minister’s office and the media, as the office repeatedly denied any discussions or intentions to extend the security arrangements in recent days. These denials were proven inaccurate following the official publication of the committee’s decision, fueling further debate over government spending priorities and the justification for such extensive security coverage.