Israel Approves Lifetime Security for Netanyahu Family at Over $1 Million Annually

The Israeli ministerial security committee has authorized lifetime security protection for Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while also granting security coverage for their sons, Yair and Avner, for five years following the upcoming elections. This decision has stirred controversy in Israel due to the substantial expenses involved.

The total annual cost to secure the Netanyahu family members is estimated in the millions of shekels, excluding the expenses related to Yair Netanyahu's security arrangements in Miami.

The Netanyahu family fears losing their security protection if Benjamin Netanyahu loses the October elections, recalling the 2021 precedent when the government discontinued personal security for Sara Netanyahu and their sons six months after he left office. In contrast, former prime ministers receive security protection for 20 years after their term ends.

Estimates place the annual cost of protecting the Netanyahu family at over one million dollars. Despite objections concerning the duration of the protection period, the decision was approved based on a recommendation from David Zini, head of the Israeli General Security Service (Shabak).

According to figures reported by the i24 channel, each family member is assigned four security guards working in shifts, with each guard costing approximately 100,000 shekels per month (with the shekel valued at about 0.33 dollars). Additional expenses include vehicles and drivers, estimated at about 30,000 shekels monthly per individual.

These calculations bring the total monthly security cost for the family members to roughly 390,000 shekels, amounting to over 4.5 million shekels annually.

Despite criticism directed at Netanyahu since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, particularly regarding his son's residence in Miami, Israel continues to bear the cost of Yair Netanyahu's security outside the country.

Israeli estimates indicate that the cost of protecting Yair Netanyahu while abroad, especially in Miami, is approximately 2.5 million shekels per year.