Samuel Benezra

Education Benezra holds a bachelor's degree in applied physics, with distinction, from the Jerusalem College of Technology, which he completed in 1994. He also holds a master's degree in applied physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, completed in 2006.

In 2014, he completed an MBA, with distinction, at the Open University of Israel. In 2018, he completed a further master's degree in political science, specializing in national security, at the University of Haifa. He is also a graduate of the Israel National Defense College, where he was described in Israeli media as an outstanding cadet of his cohort.

Defense career

Israeli Navy and Ministry of Defense Benezra began his service in the Israel Defense Forces through the Atuda program, in which he was trained as an engineering physicist. After completing his studies, he was assigned to the Israeli Navy as an electro-optics engineering officer.

Hebrew-language sources have also described Benezra as one of the leading figures in the development of the Sparrow missile family during his service in the Homa administration.

Shin Bet In September 2020, Benezra was appointed head of the Technology, Operations and Cyber Division of the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency. He served in the position for four years, until October 2024. Netanyahu's office said that Benezra brought more than 30 years of experience in Israeli security, technology and cyber fields, as well as experience working with United States government officials and other international bodies. He succeeded Gil Reich, who had served as acting national security adviser after Tzachi Hanegbi left the position in October 2025.

His brother Michael Ben Ezra served as chief scientist and chief technology officer of the technological division of the Israeli Ground Forces. Another brother, Hananel Ben Ezra, was reported to be among the leading figures in the development of Iron Beam, also known in Hebrew as Or Eitan, and was also awarded the Israel Defense Prize.