Netanyahu Claims Iran Targeted His Son in Assassination Plot

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, although he did not disclose which son was allegedly targeted or provide details of the reported plot.

Netanyahu made the claim on Monday during a telephone interview with Israel’s Channel 14, saying: “Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons.”

His comments came during a discussion about reports that Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, had declined to provide round-the-clock protection for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is reportedly running a close race with Netanyahu ahead of elections scheduled for October 27.

Netanyahu backed calls for increased protection for Eisenkot, describing continuous security as a necessity rather than a luxury.

“Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed,” he said.

Netanyahu has three children two sons and a daughter but did not identify which of his sons was allegedly targeted.

His elder son, Yair Netanyahu, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024 and has reportedly received protection from Shin Bet personnel.

His stay in the United States has generated controversy in Israel, particularly over the cost of providing taxpayer-funded security. Some residents in south Florida have also expressed concerns that his presence could potentially make the area a target for attacks by Israel’s enemies.

Following Netanyahu’s remarks, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal claimed on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known about for “months” but had been kept under a gag order.

No further details about the alleged plot or the identity of the son involved were immediately disclosed.