Sara Netanyahu seeks extended security protection amid election concerns

Sara Netanyahu has requested a five-year extension of security protection for herself and her two sons, fearing the loss of prime ministerial privileges after upcoming elections.

• Sara Netanyahu demanded the security protection extension for herself and sons Yair and Avner, requesting immediate implementation regardless of election results, according to Israeli media reports.
• The National Security Council and the Shin Bet have not issued an official response to the request, weeks after it was submitted, while a ministerial committee meeting on the matter was postponed.
• Sources indicated the Shin Bet may approve a temporary extension without a binding timeframe, as the Netanyahu team pressures for approval citing the security situation and tensions with Iran.
• The family fears a repeat of 2021, when the new government cancelled Sara and her sons' security protection six months after Netanyahu left office.

Latest developments

• Jul 15 — Shin Bet chief David Zini approved Sara Netanyahu's request for lifetime security protection and recommended extending protection for her sons Yair and Avner for five years, Channel 13 reported.
• Jul 15 — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promoted a broader initiative to extend security protection for former prime ministers' families for years after their terms end.