Netanyahu taps Shmuel Ben Ezra, who led development of Arrow 3 interceptor, as next national security adviser

31 May 2026, 7:19 pm

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Shmuel Ben Ezra. (Elisha Grosberg/GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appoints Shmuel Ben Ezra as Israel’s next National Security Adviser and head of the National Security Council.

Ben Ezra “brings with him over 30 years of experience in the defense of the country’s security,” says the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement. “He stood as the head of the development of the Arrow 3 missile interceptor project and won the Israel Defense Prize.”

Ben Ezra takes over from Gil Reich, who has served as acting national security adviser since his predecessor, Tzachi Hanegbi, was ousted in October after reported disagreements with the premier over policies during the war in Gaza.