The government unanimously approved Shmuel Ben Ezra’s appointment as head of the National Security Council and national security adviser to the prime minister, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed on Sunday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Ben Ezra’s appointment last week, saying he had more than 30 years of experience in security, technology, and cyber and had led the development of the Arrow-3 air defense system.
He has also 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).
What happened to his predecessor?
Former head of the National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, was informed by Netanyahu in October 2025 that he would be replaced.
“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.
Netanyahu’s decision to replace Hangebi came shortly after disagreements between the two over the order to carry out a strike in Qatari territory in September 2025.
“A ceasefire would allow us to try to reach an agreement on the remaining 10. I fully agree with the chief of staff that taking control of Gaza City jeopardizes the lives of the hostages, which is why I oppose the prime minister’s proposal,” Hangebi said.
MK Gadi Eisenkot wrote on X/Twitter that “I did not spare criticism of the National Security Council under the leadership of Tzachi Hanegbi. Like everyone who held a position on October 7, he should have ended his tenure.”
“Yet his dismissal this evening is an expression of the continued evasion of responsibility by all Cabinet members and the prime minister of the October 7 debacle – in order to replace them with yes-men.”