Israeli Cabinet Approves Lifetime Security for Sara Netanyahu, Five Years for Children

The Israeli Cabinet committee overseeing the Shin Bet security service, chaired by Minister Yariv Levin, approved on Thursday lifetime security protection for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, and five years of security for their children. This decision was made following a recommendation from Shin Bet chief David Zini, despite opposition from professional security officials who preferred security to be contingent on threat levels.

Under the new arrangement, Prime Minister Netanyahu will continue to receive lifetime security, Sara Netanyahu will be protected for the duration of the Prime Minister's life with a possibility of extension, and their children will receive security coverage for five years. This means that even if Netanyahu loses the upcoming elections, Sara Netanyahu will maintain permanent security, while their children will be protected for five years thereafter.

Reports revealed that intense lobbying by the Prime Minister's and his wife's circle influenced the decision. Shin Bet chief David Zini chose not to adopt the professional security officials' stance, which recommended security based on threat assessment, and instead formulated an opinion supporting extended security protection. This recommendation was submitted to and approved by the ministerial committee today.