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Shin Bet chief David Zini has accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to grant his wife Sara lifelong security protection, according to reports from Ynet and N12. The decision, which will also see the couple's sons Yair and Avner receive protection for at least five years, comes after the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved the extended personal protection on Thursday.

The move follows heavy pressure from both Netanyahu and his wife, with Shin Bet and Mossad officials believing that Netanyahu and his family are at a 'lifetime threat level.'

Coverage comparison

Reports from Ynet and N12, both cited by the Jerusalem Post, provide slightly different accounts of the scope of the security arrangement. Ynet reported that Sara Netanyahu will receive protection for as long as her husband is alive, while Yair and Avner Netanyahu will be protected for at least five years. N12, however, reported that it has not yet been determined whether Sara Netanyahu will receive security for life or for only five years, but estimated that her request will be granted.

According to Ynet, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs debated how long each family member should be granted security. For the prime minister, they agreed that he should be given lifelong protection. Initially, it was discussed whether Sara should also receive lifelong protection, and whether Yair and Avner's status should be reviewed on a yearly basis, before the aforementioned consensus was reached.

The committee noted that this will be implemented regardless of the outcome of the October 27 Knesset election.

N12 cited security officials claiming that Zini was appointed as Shin Bet chief "precisely for this moment," as he previously held the position of Netanyahu's military secretary and is considered close personally with the prime minister and his family.

Key claims

  • Sara Netanyahu will receive protection for as long as her husband is alive, according to Ynet.
  • Yair and Avner Netanyahu will be protected for at least five years, according to Ynet.
  • The Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved the granting of extended personal protection to Sara, Yair, and Avner Netanyahu, as reported by Ynet.
  • Shin Bet and Mossad officials believe that Netanyahu and his family are at a 'lifetime threat level,' according to Ynet.
  • Sara Netanyahu requested lifetime security measures for her and her children, as reported by N12.
  • David Zini refused to sign off on the position that the perceived risk to Netanyahu's family is not high, according to N12, citing sources from Close Security Unit 730.
  • The Knesset Finance Committee discussed a request to transfer NIS 393 million to the Prime Minister's Office for security reasons, as reported by N12.
  • Shin Bet chief David Zini accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to grant Sara Netanyahu lifelong security, according to Ynet.
  • The lifetime security protection will also be granted to Yair and Avner Netanyahu, according to N12.

Perspectives

Yaron Blum (former Shin Bet official)

Yaron Blum, former Shin Bet official and coordinator for hostages and missing persons, criticized the recommendation to provide extended security for the Netanyahu family in a Thursday interview on 103 FM. Blum argued that the decision did not reflect reality, calling it "delusional" to decide on security for someone for 20 years. He also criticized Shin Bet Head David Zini for "not withstanding the pressure" and recommending lifetime protection. Blum made clear that if the decision is approved, it will be very difficult to change later, as there is no appeal on the committee's decisions. However, he acknowledged that on principle, given the level of threats against the Netanyahu family from enemy states, Iran, proxy groups, Islamic Jihad, and global jihad, the prime minister's family is a target for threats.