“Modern Noah’s Ark”: What do we know about Israel’s secret bunker in the Jerusalem Mountains?

Following the Mossad-orchestrated assassination of Hamas' political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and Iran's preparation to respond to the strike, Israeli security circles have been unprecedentedly preoccupied with readying a secret underground bunker in the depths of the Jerusalem Mountains. This hideout is being converted into a command center in which Netanyahu and his ministers might oversee an imminent war that could pit Israel against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah simultaneously.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has left the decision of choosing the most suitable operations center to his security apparatus. This is particularly the case as Netanyahu considers the options between the Jerusalem Mountains hideout—codenamed in Israel as the "modern Noah's Ark"—and a more traditional bunker beneath the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, according to Yedioth Ahronoth. However, a separate report published by the Israeli site Walla took things further, quoting Netanyahu's entourage as saying that his family (his wife Sara and son Yair) plan to move to an underground bunker under the Ministry of Defense if war with Iran breaks out.

However, other reports from Israel’s Channel 12 News claim Yair Netanyahu, currently residing in Israel far from his residence in Miami, insists he and his parents relocate to the Jerusalem mountains bunker. The Netanyahu family is reportedly “afraid of explicit Iranian threats against the prime minister, including one cited by Iranian media from a member of Iran’s parliament, which stated: “‘We will settle for nothing less than Netanyahu’s head.’” According to Ehud Yaari, a political affairs analyst for the Israeli channel, an Iranian publication associated with the country’s Supreme Leader claimed that Iran's response would target "the residences of the criminal leaders."

Resistant to biological, chemical, cyber, and nuclear attacks (and earthquakes)

Most of Israel’s security leaders seem inclined to rely on the Jerusalem Mountains bunker for securing Netanyahu and his family. This complex, officially named by the Israeli government as the National Crisis Management Center (NCL), is fortified against any potential threat, including biological and chemical attacks, conventional warfare, earthquakes, nuclear attacks, and, of course, cyberattacks. Around six years ago, Netanyahu summoned the cabinet to meet in this very bunker on several occasions. However, that was during peacetime, not in a period of war.

Since the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Israeli security circles have been unprecedentedly preoccupied with readying a secret underground bunker in the depths of the Jerusalem mountains, converting it into a command center where Netanyahu and his ministers could direct an imminent war. What do we know about it?

Israel decided to establish the modern Noah's Ark as part of “lessons learned from the 2006 Lebanon War,” according to Israeli writer Itamar Eichner. The massive project, costing billions of dollars, was commissioned by the Ministry of Defense and included the construction of sleeping quarters, expansive work halls, a large dining hall, meeting rooms, and offices for various essential roles. Israel has prohibited the release of any information regarding the bunker’s depth, considering it a secret as critical as its nuclear secrets, particularly since it has been designated as the center for managing all Israeli affairs during times of emergency.

While more than 90 percent of the secret bunker is located beneath the Jerusalem mountains, Hebrew leaks suggest that access to the building is facilitated by large elevators. According to leaks from a source present within the complex, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, "The elevators are very fast. Descending into the earth feels like a sci-fi movie. Inside the bunker, you feel completely isolated from the world, but without any sense of claustrophobia. Unlike the government headquarters, ministers cannot bring assistants and advisors into the bunker, "so you are entirely on your own there."

The way the National Crisis Management Center is set up prevents leaks of classified government deliberations, a recurring issue Netanyahu has previously lamented. Cellular reception is non-existent inside the bunker, making broadcasting impossible and thus blocking any surveillance of discussions. From a security perspective and for security officials who frequent the NCL, the bunker is completely "sterile" and off-the-grid. Following emergency procedures, the Israeli government and various civilian bodies are expected to be housed in the bunker in the event of a full-scale war, which might involve missile or nuclear attacks on Israel.

Iranian plans to eliminate Israeli figures, with Netanyahu at the forefront

In 2007, Yedioth Ahronoth was the first to reveal details about a secret atomic bunker deep within the Jerusalem mountains and to promote its codename: the modern Noah's Ark. However, Israeli military censorship has since imposed a ban on publishing any information related to the facility. This has allowed for extensive and discreet development over several years, including the planning and establishment of infrastructure comparable to underground "security cities" in the United States.

Israel decided to establish the "modern Noah's Ark" as part of “lessons learned from the 2006 Lebanon War,” according to Israeli writer Itamar Eichner. The massive project, costing billions of dollars, was commissioned to the Ministry of Defense. What does it consist of, and what is its purpose?

Observers in Tel Aviv attribute the preference for the Jerusalem Mountains bunker to security preparations in case Iran and Hezbollah adopt plans to eliminate Israeli officials. Benjamin Netanyahu is at the top of their list, for his role in the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah officials. This is particularly relevant given that Hezbollah and Iran possess highly accurate missiles and that Netanyahu has increased movements recently—especially since October 7.

Israeli intelligence leaks indicate that Netanyahu, who has expressed concern over the threat, has frequently changed residence since October, moving between his residence on Gaza Street in Jerusalem, his apartment on HaPortzim Street in the same city, his villa in Caesarea, and his billionaire friend Simon Falic’s villa in Talpiot (a neighborhood in western Jerusalem). He and his family stayed at Falic’s villa during a previous Iranian military response to Israel. Additionally, he frequents the home of his close friend Zak Gertler and stays at other undisclosed hotels. Leaks confirm that Falic's villa includes an underground bunker fortified against nuclear attacks.

Yedioth Ahronoth reports from one of the few who have visited the finished modern Noah's Ark: "It's a place that instills awe and claustrophobia while walking through it. From here, Netanyahu and the leaders will command a burning nation."

During the 2014 Israeli assault on Gaza, known as Operation Protective Edge, Israeli leaders ordered multiple military operations from within the Jerusalem Mountains bunker. Those who have previously visited the secret facility describe it as an impressive structure that resembles a sophisticated war operations room, complete with numerous screens and control stations. The offices of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense are located adjacent to the main meeting room.

Netanyahu’s three enemies more dangerous than Iran and Hamas

Despite significant Israeli concern and tense anticipation of an Iranian response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr, some political and security circles in Tel Aviv downplay the threat posed by Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis to Prime Minister Netanyahu. They argue that these threats are less dangerous compared to three specific Israeli figures. Israeli security expert Avi Issacharoff identifies these figures as "Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi."

Issacharoff reveals that Netanyahu had planned to dismiss these three individuals from their positions upon returning to Israel from his address to the US Congress. However, he claims that a rocket strike on a soccer field in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights forced him to temporarily reconsider his decision.

According to a report by the Israeli website Nziv, after delivering his latest speech to Congress, Netanyahu reportedly met with AIPAC senior officials and told them: "It is time for a major war, which not only involves Israel and the US against Iran and its allies but also all the countries in the region, including Arab and Gulf states, Turkey, and African nations.”

In a separate report by Israel's Kan 11 channel, political analyst Tal Shilo explained that following Netanyahu's delay in making his decision, a media campaign emerged, led by the "prime minister's proxies," aimed at discrediting the three security figures and calling for their dismissal. Netanyahu, according to Shilo, has incited his supporters to blame Gallant, Halevi, and Bar for what he describes as the greatest security failure in Israel's history—the failure to anticipate Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7.

The Israeli writer sarcastically questions, "Has Netanyahu suddenly discovered the danger posed by these security figures to Israel's security?!" He answers his question, stating, "The prime minister has signaled a focus on his real enemy, and that enemy is not Iran, Hezbollah, or even Hamas. Instead, it is Gallant, Halevi, Bar, and the Mossad chief David Barnea."

A major interregional war

Despite the three figures and the Mossad chief’s acknowledgment of their responsibility for the failure to protect Israelis on October 7 and their prior suggestion to resign after the war, Netanyahu reportedly refuses to delay the step any further. Shilo says this is especially given the opposition he is receiving from these four over his rejection of the terms at the negotiating table with mediators regarding the Israeli hostage crisis and the war on Gaza in general.

According to Israeli leaks, Netanyahu claimed that "with the outbreak of this major war, it will force everyone to sit around one table to accept a comprehensive settlement that includes Israel's right to exist and be recognized by everyone, in exchange for comprehensive peace for all parties."

The three Israeli figures, along with the Mossad chief, and the US administration, not only oppose Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage and Gaza crises but also his plans to prolong the Gaza war and expand it into a broader regional war. This was confirmed by a report by the Israeli website Nziv, which revealed the Israeli Prime Minister’s plans and intentions to a delegation of senior officials from AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), a pro-Israel lobby in the United States. After delivering his latest speech to Congress, Netanyahu reportedly told the AIPAC delegation, "It is time for a major war, which not only involves Israel and the US against Iran and its allies but also all the countries in the region, including Arab and Gulf states, Turkey, and African nations.”

Netanyahu claimed, according to the leaks of the Israeli report, that "with the outbreak of this major war, it will force everyone to sit around one table to accept a comprehensive settlement that includes Israel's right to exist and be recognized by everyone, in exchange for comprehensive peace for all parties."

However, the three Israeli security officials, the Mossad chief, and the US administration are aware of Netanyahu’s intent to prolong the war on Gaza and expand it into a regional war. This way, he reportedly aims to avoid accountability for the failures of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza and evade prosecution for corruption cases in which he has already been convicted. An American delegation that secretly visited Iran a few days ago made these assessments and attempted to neutralize the expected Iranian response or possibly mitigate an escalation that might spiral out of control, according to the Israeli website Nziv.