Former Shin Bet official: Sara Netanyahu's request for lifetime security is 'delusional'

A former Shin Bet official has sharply criticized the recommendation to grant Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a lifetime security detail, calling the request "delusional."

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To decide on security for someone for 20 years, whether it is Sara Netanyahu or Sara Cohen, it does not matter at all, it is irrelevant, it is not serious, it is delusional.

Yaron Blum, who previously served as the Shin Bet's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, argued that such extended security provisions are "not serious" and do not reflect reality. He questioned the expertise of the ministerial committee members, which included Netanyahu himself, Yariv Levin, Israel Katz, Itamar Ben Gvir, and Yoav Kisch, in matters of security and the Shin Bet.

Blum also expressed concern that Shin Bet Head David Zini did not resist the pressure to recommend lifetime protection. He highlighted that decisions made by this committee are difficult to appeal and that granting security for 20 years is illogical. While acknowledging the significant threats against the Netanyahu family from various actors, including enemy states and extremist groups, Blum maintained that lifetime protection is unprecedented and lacks justification.

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What do three-quarters of them even understand about security and the Shin Bet?

He further explained that the Shin Bet's personal security unit typically protects only seven key state symbols, including the prime minister, president, and Knesset speaker. Other officials receive protection from different units, with decisions on their security made by the Prime Minister's Office. Blum asserted that the current situation regarding Sara Netanyahu's security request is illogical and unlikely to be implemented in its current form.

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In these days there is logic to it, but for life there is no logic in it.