Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu's family will no longer have close protection

Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, will no longer have close protection, as will her children.

© Francois Mori / AP

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

Six months after being ousted from power, a further blow to former Israeli head of government Benyamin Netanyahu.

The close protection of his wife and sons is withdrawn.

Netanyahu claims this is a political decision.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

No drivers or bodyguard as of Monday, December 13 for the family of the former Israeli Prime Minister.

Sara Netanyahu and the couple's two sons, Yair and Avner, will no longer be under the protection of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service.

In videos on social media, Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that he and his family were the subject of " 

 ".

Contrary opinion of the security services and a commission composed of ministers of the current government: the level of threats does not constitute a sufficient reason to continue the close protection of the Netanyahu family.

Netanyahu still protected

In the entourage of the former head of government, the decision is described as political, scandalous and irresponsible.

An outcry also within Likud, the party of Benyamin Netanyahu, which protests against what is perceived as an attack on the status of its leader.

Note that “Bibi”, as the Israelis call him, will continue to be protected by Shin Bet agents.

And this for a period of at least 20 years.

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• Benjamin Netanyahu

• Israel