The security costs for Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his seven-month stay in Miami amounted to approximately one million shekels ($277,000), as reported by Haaretz journalist Gidi Weitz.
Throughout his time in the United States, the younger Netanyahu had two Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) security guards, who were replaced every two to three weeks. The aforementioned sum does not take into account the guards’ salaries or the expenses associated with their travel to and from the US.
The total cost encompassed various expenses, such as accommodation, food, a car, a driver, and payments to a local security guard. The funds were transferred from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Israeli Consulate in Miami, both of which significantly contributed to covering the expenses.
An individual familiar with the matter informed Haaretz that Netanyahu’s security costs escalated while he was abroad, partly due to his frequent location changes, noting that “Miami is an expensive destination.”
The return from exile
The Prime Minister’s Office commented, stating, “All personal security matters are handled by the relevant security agencies based on security requirements. Security considerations do not influence decision-making processes.”
Yair Netanyahu left Israel shortly after his father’s announcement regarding the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Galant, a decision that sparked widespread protests nationwide. In September, Netanyahu’s defense attorney, Uriel Chur Nizari, justified his stay abroad as a response to “persecution” impeding his ability to lead a normal life. Last month, amidst criticism for his absence during the war, Yair returned to Israel.
