Netanyahu Requests Increased Security for Son in Miami

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested increased security for his son, Yair Netanyahu, currently living in Miami, due to fears of Iranian retaliation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Yair, who has been under the protection of Shin Bet's elite Unit 730 since March 2023, already incurs significant security costs, estimated at approximately 2.5 million shekels ($680,000) annually. The request, submitted by Netanyahu’s office director-general Yossi Shelley, is pending approval from the Advisory Committee for Personal Security, which demands intelligence data to justify the heightened measures. Despite Netanyahu's concerns, Shin Bet officials believe the current security level is adequate and argue that responsibility should revert to the 'Magen' unit instead. Public scrutiny continues regarding the costs associated with Yair's protection amid a backdrop of political unrest and security challenges in Israel. This situation underscores the complexities of personal security in the face of international threats.