Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the appointment of Shmuel Ben Ezra as the new National Security Council chief and as the Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security.
Ben Ezra has over thirty years of experience in security, technology, and cyber, the prime minister announced, adding that he had led the development of the Arrow-3 air defense system, which won the Israel Security prize.
He also had served as the head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency)'s operational technology and cyber department.
The Prime Minister's Office also revealed that Ben-Ezra holds a BA in Applied Physics (with distinction), an MA in Applied Physics, an MBA (with distinction), and an MA in Political Science in the field of National Security (with distinction). He is a graduate of the National Security College (with distinction).
"With breakthrough thinking, rich international experience, and deep familiarity with national security challenges," Netanyahu said, "he will help us fortify Israel's security and advance it as a global technological power."
Ben Ezra replaces Tzachi Hanegbi as National Security Council head
The former National Security Council head, Tzachi Hanegbi, was informed by Netanyahu that he would be replaced in October 2025.
“I thanked the prime minister for the privilege of being a partner in shaping Israel’s foreign and security policy during challenging years, for the opportunity to express an independent position in sensitive discussions, and for the professional discourse we conducted even during times of disagreement,” Hanegbi stated at the time.
Amichai Stein and Shir Perets contributed to this report.