The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation has disclosed details of a closed-door conversation in the Knesset, revealing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apprehensions about potential drone attacks targeting him.
During the conversation, Netanyahu questioned, “Where would we go if a drone reached the Knesset right now? Why aren’t we meeting somewhere else?” He further expressed his concern, adding, “What if a drilling machine were to come through right now? My main fear is from drones. We have robust systems to detect and intercept missiles, but I don’t understand why the Knesset continues to meet at its regular location and not elsewhere.”
Last week, Israel’s Army Radio, citing a source from the domestic security agency Shin Bet, reported that security measures around top officials had been intensified following an attack targeting Netanyahu’s residence.
On the 19th of this month, Israeli occupation authorities confirmed that a drone launched by Hezbollah the previous Saturday had struck Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea in northern occupied territories, hitting a bedroom window directly.
Hezbollah claimed full responsibility for the Caesarea attack and the targeting of Netanyahu’s home. The party’s media relations official, Mohammad Afif, stated, “If our hands did not reach you last time, remember that the days, nights, and the battlefield remain between us.”
Recent reports have revealed that Shin Bet has spent substantial amounts on protecting Netanyahu’s family, which includes his wife, Sara, and sons, Avner and Yair.
The costs associated with protecting Netanyahu’s family members have sparked criticism within Israel, especially given the high expenses.
According to information published by a group called “Promoting a Fair Society” in The Times of Israel, Shin Bet protection for Netanyahu’s family cost approximately 31.5 million shekels (around $8.5 million) from 2018 to 2023. Data indicates that Shin Bet allocated about 11 million shekels (around $3 million) for Avner Netanyahu’s protection, 10 million shekels (around $2.775 million) for Yair Netanyahu, and another 10.5 million shekels (around $2.885 million) to protect Sara Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has faced criticism for insisting on continued security coverage for his adult sons, with Yair continuing to receive Shin Bet protection even after moving to Miami, USA, last year.
Data further reveals that Shin Bet spent over 1 million shekels (approximately $275,000) on Yair’s protection alone last year.
