Sara Netanyahu’s shadow over Israel’s security decisions

Channel 13 News reported on Wednesday in an exclusive story that Sara Netanyahu was the main force behind Hanegbi’s removal from his position.

According to sources cited by the network, Sara Netanyahu criticized Hanegbi for not being sufficiently loyal to the Prime Minister and for taking a critical stance toward him.

In recent months, reports indicated that Sara Netanyahu had asked the Prime Minister’s Office to prevent Hanegbi from giving interviews, claiming that he was “weak” and did not adequately support Benjamin Netanyahu.

Previously, the Prime Minister himself had admitted in interviews that his wife plays a major role in domestic political affairs and has a significant influence on decision-making.

The NSC chief resigned on Tuesday evening after learning that Netanyahu had already decided to appoint someone else in his place.

Hanegbi had repeatedly called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the massive intelligence and security failures of Israel during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023.

He also opposed Netanyahu’s decision to expand military operations and to occupy Gaza City under “Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2.”

Following Hanegbi’s opposition to the Gaza occupation plan, Netanyahu excluded him from security decision-making meetings.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Netanyahu intends to appoint Gil Reich, Hanegbi’s deputy, as the acting head of the National Security Council.