Netanyahu accuses Iran of plotting against his son
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, though he offered no further details and did not specify which son was targeted.
Speaking during a phone interview with Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu was quoted as saying: "Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons." The remarks came amid a discussion about reports that the Shin Bet domestic security agency had declined to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief who is running neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of elections on October 27.
Netanyahu voiced support for around-the-clock protection for Eisenkot, saying it was "not a luxury." "Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed," he said.
Who are Netanyahu's sons?
Netanyahu has two sons, Yair and Avner, and a daughter, Noa Netanyahu-Roth. It remains unclear which of his sons was allegedly targeted.
Yair Netanyahu, 35, the elder son, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024, reportedly under Shin Bet protection. His stay in the United States has attracted controversy in Israel over the cost to taxpayers of providing security, while some residents in south Florida have expressed concern that his presence could make the area a target for attacks by Israel's enemies.
The younger son, Avner, maintains a lower public profile and resides in Israel.
Gag order and reports
Shortly after Netanyahu's remarks became public on Monday, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal wrote on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for "months" but was subject to a gag order. A Channel 12 report also said the alleged plot had been known to Israel's security establishment for several months but was barred from publication by the military censor.
The claim comes amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions, following the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khameneh in US-Israeli strikes in February. His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge his father's death, further raising regional stakes. However, the full circumstances surrounding the alleged threat against Netanyahu's son remain undisclosed.