Iran Threat Prompts Last-Minute Security Changes to Netanyahu’s U.S. Trip

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current visit to Washington is taking place under unusually strict security measures and a heavy veil of secrecy, following security warnings about growing Iranian attempts to target senior Israeli officials. According to a report aired Tuesday evening on Channel 12 News, senior political officials, including a group of ministers, were informed that Tehran is stepping up efforts to physically harm high-ranking Israeli figures in an attempt to achieve a strategic gain.

According to the report, security assessments presented to political leaders in recent days indicated that Iran is intensifying its efforts to carry out an attack on senior Israeli officials. In response to these developments, the Shin Bet decided to expand the security detail around a number of senior figures, while defense officials recommended taking extraordinary measures surrounding the prime minister’s trip to the United States as well.

Following the recommendations of security officials, Netanyahu’s flight to Washington was planned and carried out under a high level of secrecy. The prime minister departed from Nevatim Airbase rather than Ben-Gurion Airport, while journalists were not permitted to join the *Wing of Zion* flight. In addition, the departure time was kept confidential, and the time of landing in Washington was not announced in advance.