Veteran Journalist: “Yair Netanyahu Can’t Live in Israel”

In a heated exchange on his live radio show on 103FM, Israeli journalist and broadcaster Gai Peleg offered a striking defense of Yair Netanyahu, the son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that the public pressure and animosity toward him in Israel make it "impossible" for him to live in the country.

The comments came after a caller criticized the cost of Yair’s state-funded security while living abroad. "What would Netanyahu’s supporters say if Lapid’s or Bennett’s son lived overseas at the public’s expense?" the caller asked.

Peleg responded firmly: “He’s not living at the public’s expense — that’s simply not true.”

Peleg acknowledged that the annual cost of Yair’s security, reportedly 4 to 5 million shekels, is indeed significant and publicly funded, but insisted that it doesn't mean he is "living off the state." “If you told me he costs the taxpayers millions — I wouldn’t argue. That’s a fact. But it still doesn’t mean he’s there at the public’s expense in the way you're implying.”

He further explained that official security assessments and public oversight committees had approved the protection. “It’s outrageous, I agree, but if the professionals have determined that he needs to be guarded, the blame isn’t on him.”

In a candid moment, Peleg added:

The conversation has reignited debate over state-funded security for political family members and the extent to which public figures' children should be protected or scrutinized based on their public behavior.

Yair Netanyahu, known for his outspoken political posts on social media, has been a divisive figure in Israeli society. He currently resides in Miami, where he has reportedly remained for months, drawing both criticism and sympathy.

As of now, there has been no official comment from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding Peleg’s remarks.