Bodyguards around PM Netanyahu
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Israel cuts personal security for most ministers
PMO says new arrangement will save State tens of millions of shekels a year; security around 'national symbols' not scaled back
Based on a recommendation made earlier this month by the Counterterrorism Bureau, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved on Sunday a proposal to scale back personal security details for most ministers.
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The decision was reached following repeated complaints by ministers who asked to be relieved of their security detail.
The new arrangement will not apply to seven key individuals who are considered "national symbols" and will continue to receive 24-hour protection. These "national symbols" are the prime minister, defense minister, foreign minister, opposition leader, the president and the chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Security around the rest of the ministers will be reduced to a minimum. They will receive personal protection only at certain events. Security at the ministers' homes will also be scaled back.
The Prime Minister's Office said the new arrangement will save the State tens of millions of shekels a year.
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