Report: Shin Bet chief to back extending security detail for Sara Netanyahu, sons after pressure from PM, wife

Shin Bet chief David Zini has decided to support extending the security detail for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, and the couple’s two sons for at least five years, despite opposition from professional officials in the agency, Channel 12 reports.

The reported decision follows Hebrew media reports yesterday that Netanyahu and his wife were exerting heavy pressure on officials in the Shin Bet and the National Security Council to approve the request, arguing that the war with Iran and other security developments justified the extended protection.

Netanyahu, who is himself guaranteed protection for the next 20 years, was reportedly seeking the extension to go into effect immediately, regardless of the results of the upcoming elections.

However, officials in the NSC and the Shin Bet were reportedly hesitant about the move, with sources saying that while they recognize the seriousness of potential threats, they saw no reason to decide now on security arrangements for the next five years.

The PMO denied yesterday’s reports, while the NSC and the Shin Bet refused to comment.

Channel 12 now reports that Zini has chosen not to adopt the position of the agency’s professional staff and will instead submit a recommendation approving the request to the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs, where it is expected to be approved.

The report says Zini is expected to request extended protection for at least five years, and possibly longer. According to Channel 12, Sara Netanyahu had requested lifetime security coverage.