Netanyahu seeks to boost son’s security in Miami, already costing $55K per month

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a boost in security measures for his son, Yair Netanyahu, amid fears of Iranian retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, 2024.

Yair, who has been residing in Miami, Florida since March 2023, is already under the protection of Shin Bet’s elite Unit 730, which is normally tasked with protecting only Israel’s top seven public officials.

Netanyahu calls for increased security for his son

• Netanyahu’s request: The request, reported by Channel 12 News and the Walla news site, was submitted to the Advisory Committee for Personal Security by Yossi Shelley, director-general of the prime minister’s office. Shelley emphasized concerns over possible threats to Yair from Iranian agents and sought an evaluation of the existing security measures, which include two Shin Bet guards.
• Intelligence demands: The advisory committee, however, insisted on receiving concrete intelligence data to support the need for heightened security, rejecting any reliance on instinct or assumptions. Netanyahu’s fears stem from warnings that Iranian agents could retaliate against Israeli individuals abroad, especially those associated with high-profile figures.

How much Netanyahu pays for security?

• Current security expenditure: Yair’s security is already a significant financial burden, costing the state 200,000 new Israeli shekel ($55,000) per month, as reported by the Times of Israel. This figure covers his stay in an upscale Miami apartment complex, complete with a chauffeur and two bodyguards from Shin Bet’s elite Unit 730.
• Public scrutiny: The controversy surrounding Yair’s security has grown amid public criticism over its high costs and the justification for such extensive measures. Normally, Unit 730 is tasked with protecting only Israel’s top seven public officials. Critics question why Yair, known for his outspoken right-wing views, receives this level of protection instead of the lower-tier Magen unit, which covers other protected individuals.
• Family protection measures: The security of Netanyahu’s family, including his wife Sara and son Avner, has also been under scrutiny. An extension for their Shin Bet protection was granted in March 2023 after an incident involving anti-government protesters. Despite recommendations to limit this protection to six months or until the end of the Gaza conflict, the coverage was extended for a full year.

Netanyahu’s office denies any increased security request

In response to the reports, the prime minister’s office denied that any formal requests had been made to increase Yair’s security. Unnamed security officials told Channel 12 that the threat level against Yair does not warrant additional protection, based on current threat assessments.

Between the lines: The debate over Yair’s security reflects broader concerns about state resources, transparency, and the balance between legitimate threats and perceived overreach. The prime minister’s office may face continued public and political pressure to justify these expenses and the level of protection provided to his family members.