Sara Netanyahu Reportedly Requested F-35 Escorts for PM’s Plane Amid Security Concerns

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly requested that two F-35 jets escort the Prime Minister’s plane on recent flights between Israel and the United States. According to sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Sara Netanyahu raised concerns over potential retaliatory attacks from Hezbollah and Iran, particularly after the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

While the Prime Minister’s Office has denied the claims as “fake news,” sources indicate that Sara Netanyahu initially sought a fighter jet escort for the entire flight to and from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The request was reportedly declined by Israeli Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar due to logistical constraints and the unprecedented nature of the request.

Following Nasrallah’s elimination, the PMO allegedly revisited the request, citing a specific threat of retaliation during the last leg of the return journey from Cyprus to Israel. This time, the Air Force approved the request for two F-35 jets to accompany the "Wing of Zion" plane upon its approach to Israel.

The PMO is also said to have requested an aerial photograph capturing the Prime Minister’s plane flanked by the F-35 jets. This request was denied by the Air Force, which instructed the fighter jets to fly behind the plane to avoid photographic exposure. Passengers on board reportedly requested that the aircraft crew position the plane to provide a view of the escort from the windows, a suggestion the crew declined in consultation with security officials.

In response to media reports, the PMO issued a statement calling the allegations “baseless and unrestrained,” asserting that the Prime Minister and his wife were not involved in decisions regarding the plane’s security. “Decisions regarding the Prime Minister’s security are solely made by government security officials,” the PMO added. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) affirmed that all security arrangements are based on assessments by government professionals.

Security concerns have escalated around the Netanyahu family in recent months. The PMO previously requested heightened Shin Bet protection for Netanyahu’s son, Yair, who resides in Miami, amid fears of retaliation from Iran and its proxies. Although the Shin Bet had sought to transfer family security back to the PMO’s "Magen" unit due to high demand, this request was reportedly denied.

Concerns over security have led to additional measures, including relocating the weekly cabinet meeting from the PMO to a secured underground facility. Additionally, following a recent drone attack on Netanyahu’s Caesarea residence, the PMO has reportedly considered moving Netanyahu’s upcoming trial testimony, scheduled for early December, to an alternate location due to safety concerns.

The increased focus on security reflects heightened regional tensions and the unprecedented pressures on Israeli defense forces. As these concerns grow, security around the Prime Minister’s family remains a priority, especially in light of ongoing conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah.

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