Netanyahu home needs millions in security upgrades after drone attack
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Hezbollah struck on October 19 Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea, south of occupied Haifa with a drone.
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The damage done to a window of Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home in Caesarea is shown on October 22, 2024. (Social media)
The Israeli Prime Minister's office and the Israeli security service, Shin Bet, are reportedly discussing security modifications at Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea, which was targeted by a Hezbollah drone last weekend.
According to Ynet, such renovations are likely to cost between 3 and 8 million New Israeli Shekels, (790,000- 2.11 million USD)
Under the "permitted for publication" clause, Israeli media reported last week that a drone attack launched by Hezbollah on the previous Saturday hit and severely 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 allegedly intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.
Israeli media reported a major failure in an interception operation, as an infiltrating drone flew right beside the military helicopter searching for it on the outskirts of occupied #Haifa. pic.twitter.com/jSNeWHAe8g
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 19, 2024
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.
An image, previously withheld from publication by the Israeli military censor, has now been released, revealing the damage inflicted on Netanyahu's residence as a result of the drone strike.
🇮🇱🇱🇧 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
Netanyahu family issues list of demands following Hezbollah drone strike
In a related context, the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Tuesday that the family of the Israeli Prime Minister has issued a list of demands following Hezbollah's drone attack.
According to the newspaper, Netanyahu's family requested comprehensive renovation and protection work at all of their residences, including Caesarea, Gaza Street, and Balfour, without setting any budget limitations.
Additionally, the family demanded an increase in Shin Bet protection for the Prime Minister and his family, along with the activation of GPS jamming systems near the residences and around the Prime Minister's convoy, Maariv mentioned.
Other demands included intensifying interception systems in relevant areas and providing 24/7 aerial coverage to allow for the interception of fighter jets or helicopters, the newspaper added.
Lastly, Netanyahu's family requested swiftly searching for a permanent alternative residence that meets the highest protection requirements, until the renovation work is completed.
