Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday announced his intention to appoint Shmuel Ben Ezra, former head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet)'s Operational Technology and Cyber Division, to lead Israel’s National Security Council and serve as the prime minister’s national security adviser.
“Ben Ezra brings with him more than 30 years of experience in safeguarding Israel’s national security,” said the prime minister.
Ben Ezra has led the development project for the Arrow 3 interceptor missile, which was awarded the Israel Defense Prize in 2017, and during his four years of service at the Shin Bet his role was equivalent to the rank of major general, the statement added.
The appointee holds a bachelor’s degree in applied physics, a master’s degree in applied physics, a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in political science with a focus on national security, the statement further read.
“Ben Ezra is known for innovative thinking and has deep familiarity with the fields of security and technology,” and has years of experience working with government agencies in the United States and around the world, Netanyahu continued.
The premier said that he expects his new adviser to strengthen Israel’s security, diplomatic and economic resilience, while advancing the country as a global technological power.
Gil Reich has been acting national security adviser since October 2025.
Ben Ezra is married to Shifra and they have 12 children.
החלטתי למנות את שמואל בן עזרא לראש המל״ל וליועץ ראש הממשלה לביטחון לאומי.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 31, 2026
שמואל מביא עמו למעלה מ־30 שנות ניסיון בביטחון, בטכנולוגיה ובסייבר, הוביל את פיתוח ״חץ 3״ שזכה בפרס ביטחון ישראל, וכיהן כראש אגף טכנולוגיה למבצעים וסייבר בשב״כ.
בחשיבה פורצת דרך, בניסיון בינלאומי עשיר… pic.twitter.com/fPHTpELUCM
