Why Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Covers His Phone Camera? Netizens Think 'It's Smart'

In an era where digital surveillance trails almost every move a world leader makes, Benjamin Netanyahu has chosen a strikingly analogue line of defence. The Israeli Prime Minister has been repeatedly photographed with a small strip of tape, often bright red or black, obscuring the camera lenses of his personal smartphone, turning a simple sticker into a quiet but potent security statement.

This low-tech intervention by the leader of one of the world's most advanced technological nations has sparked a flurry of debate on social media. Why does Netanyahu have to cover his phone camera?

Benjamin Netanyahu Praised As A 'Smart Man' For Camera Tape

One Instagram post showed Netanyahu holding his phone, with what appeared to be red tape covering the camera lens. The snaps were taken from at least two different events. The phone models were notably different in the sightings, but the red tape was visible on Netanyahu's devices.

'Wait what?! Why does Benjamin Netanyahu - cover the camera lens on his phone the whole time,' the caption read.

The reaction from the online community has been surprisingly supportive, with many considering the move 'smart'. According to one, 'Google can open your camera and record everything.' A different user warned others to 'think twice about anything with a camera.'

Some users commented that they have adopted the same habit as Netanyahu, covering their phone camera for privacy and security.

'I do the same... it's smart!!!' one commented. Another added, 'Smart man' with a fire emoji.

Why A Strip Of Tape Can Beat Millions In Cybersecurity

It turned out that the red tape attached to Netanyahu's phone was not ordinary tape. It was reportedly a tamper-evident security tape designed to prevent remote hacking, unauthorised camera operations, and unauthorised access to devices in high-security zones, per NDTV.

The primary motivation behind this practice is a phenomenon known as 'camfecting'. This involves hackers using malware to remotely activate a device's camera without the owner's knowledge or the activation of any indicator lights. For a high-profile target like Netanyahu, the risk is not just personal privacy but national security.

A compromised camera could allow adversaries to see classified documents on a desk or identify the location of a secret briefing. Security experts suggest that physical barriers are the only 'zero-trust' solution that cannot be bypassed by software exploits. Even the most sophisticated encryption can have vulnerabilities, but a piece of tape provides a physical guarantee of privacy.

Digital Paranoia And High-Tech Irony

There is a distinct irony in the fact that Israel is a global hub for some of the most sophisticated offensive cyber-intelligence tools. The country is the birthplace of the NSO Group and its infamous Pegasus software, which can turn any smartphone into a 24-hour surveillance tool. By taping his camera, Netanyahu is essentially acknowledging that the very technology his nation pioneered can be used against him.

This habit reflects a broader trend among tech-savvy elites, including famous figures like Mark Zuckerberg, who has also been seen with taped laptop cameras. It serves as a stark reminder that, in 2026, one of the most effective defences is simply to cover the camera. But in Netanyahu's case, he used a specialised sticker that does more than cover the lens of his phone's camera.

These habits highlight a growing lack of faith in the inherent security of modern consumer electronics.