Netanyahu hiding in bunker below office fearing Hezbollah drones
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hiding in a bunker below his office after his place of residence was hit by a Hezbollah drone.
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Hezbollah drones are launched toward Kiryat Shmona and Kfar Giladi in northern occupied Palestine on November 1, 2024. (Islamic Resistance Military Media)
In response to growing concerns over potential drone attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved his daily work to a fortified room in the basement of his office, Israeli media reported.
According to Israeli Channel 12, Netanyahu now spends most of his workday in this secured room, following guidance from security officials. The move reflects heightened security measures, as he avoids his usual office on an upper floor with a glass-walled area known as the "fish tank."
Reports indicate that Netanyahu was directed to use the basement room, offering superior protection, and was advised against staying in well-known, fixed locations. These precautions were reportedly initiated after a Hezbollah drone exploded near Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea last October, shattering a bedroom window and causing additional damage, though Netanyahu was not home at the time.
🇮🇱🇱🇧 Israeli Channel 12: (Hezbollah’s) drone that targeted Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea exploded in his bedroom window. pic.twitter.com/pPgcMZ5HnF
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) October 22, 2024
The Times of Israel added that the updated security protocol, prompted by concerns over drones and other threats, was explained by Netanyahu to visitors meeting him in the basement location.
Channel 12 also noted that the new security measures have led to recent government meetings being held at varied locations and to the postponement of Netanyahu's son Avner's wedding, which had been planned for the near future.
Additionally, legal and political sources anticipate that Netanyahu's lawyers may request a delay in his upcoming court appearances. Netanyahu is due to testify next month in the al-Quds District Court on three corruption cases, but security protocols might complicate his attendance, as the court lacks a fortified room.
Drone targets Netanyahu residence
Under the "permitted for publication" clause, Israeli media reported in late October that a drone attack launched by Hezbollah on Saturday hit and damaged the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea, south of occupied Haifa.
The announcement came shortly after Hezbollah’s Media Relations Officer, Mohammad Afif, claimed from Beirut’s Southern Suburb the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon's responsibility for the operation on October 19.
On the day of the attack, the Prime Minister’s Office claimed that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were not present at the time.
According to military reports, the drone was one of three launched from Lebanon. Although three combat helicopters were deployed to intercept the drones, they were unsuccessful. Two of the drones were eventually intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.
The intended target of all three drones was the Prime Minister's residence, with one drone striking the window of his bedroom. The impact caused damage to the window and the yard and inflicted other damage inside the residence.
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation cited a security official as saying that the drone that struck Netanyahu's residence caused significant damage.
