Netanyahu Security Guard Draws Rifle During Tel Aviv Convoy

Unusual footage published Monday by journalist Michael Shemesh shows a security incident involving Israel's Shin Bet VIP Protection Unit during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's convoy last Thursday in Tel Aviv. The unit is responsible for protecting senior government officials and the prime minister.

The video, filmed from an elevated position in a nearby building, captures the convoy moving through heavy city traffic. At one point, a black SUV serving as part of the convoy's outer security perimeter stands out: the front passenger opens his door wide while the vehicle is still in motion.

The security guard is seen leaning out, bracing his arms and upper body against the vehicle's roof and open door, and drawing a long weapon. He cocks the rifle decisively and aims it directly toward a specific direction on the roadside, apparently after identifying suspicious movement or a potential threat requiring immediate operational readiness. After several seconds of scanning the area with the weapon drawn and aimed, the guard pulls the weapon back inside, closes the door, and the vehicle continues moving with the rest of the convoy.

The Shin Bet's VIP Protection Unit is considered one of the most skilled and meticulous units in Israel's security establishment. Its operating procedures in civilian areas include rapid responses and immediate deterrent displays to any deviation or unauthorized approach by vehicles, motorcyclists, or pedestrians toward the protected official's convoy. The partial exit from a moving vehicle while holding a drawn weapon is designed to enable immediate return fire in case of an attempted attack, and is implemented in certain scenarios where deviation from approved traffic routes is identified.

Following the footage's publication and public response, the Shin Bet quickly issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances. The security service stated that all actions taken by the guard during the incident were carried out as required and expected in such situations. The agency further emphasized that the operation was conducted without posing any risk to civilians in the vicinity, and that the entire action was carried out in accordance with standard operational procedures and the authority granted by law to the unit's security personnel.