Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday appointed Shmuel Ben Ezra as head of Israel's National Security Council, replacing Tsachi Hanegbi, who was removed from the post in October 2025.
In a statement, Netanyahu's office said Ben Ezra would assume the role after leading the development of the “Arrow 3” missile defense system, one of Israel's key strategic air defense projects.
Ben Ezra is regarded as a prominent figure in Israel's defense and technology sectors. In addition to leading the development of the “Arrow 3” missile defense program, he held senior positions within Israel's Shin Bet domestic security agency, overseeing operations, technology and cybersecurity, according to Israeli media reports.
His appointment comes nearly a year after Hanegbi left the position he had held since January 2023. Netanyahu's office did not officially disclose the reasons for ending his tenure at the time.
