Due to possible attacks by Iran and security concerns, the Israeli cabinet has decided to hold its meeting underground instead of the Prime Minister’s House and the headquarters of the Israeli army.
According to Israeli media, the cabinet meeting has been moved to an alternative location due to security concerns, and future government meetings will not be held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Jerusalem or the Kerry military headquarters in Tel Aviv, but in accordance with the new protocol. Ministers will now meet in a secure underground location, where only ministers are allowed to attend and advisers are barred from attending.
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According to reports, the reasons for the change of location of the meeting include threats of a possible retaliation by Iran after the recent Israeli attacks, after which the defense establishment expressed fear of further attack by Iran.
In addition, security for ministers and government officials is being strengthened after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea was damaged in a Hezbollah drone strike.
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According to the report, in a detailed meeting with the Israel Security Agency following the recent drone attack on Netanyahu’s residence, experts presented proposals for security improvements estimated to cost between 3 and 8 million shekels.
Also under review is a 54 million shekel ($145 million) renovation and security upgrade to the prime minister’s residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem.
Israeli ministers have been instructed not to make any statements about the attack, citing Iran’s possible response. The Israeli army also did not release images of the attack so as not to provoke Iran.