Benjamin Netanyahu claims Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons

Assassination allegation on Channel 14

During a telephone interview broadcast on Monday evening with Channel 14 military correspondent Noam Amir, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Iran had targeted his family. The 76-year-old prime minister stated that Iranian operatives attempted to assassinate one of his sons, though he did not specify whether the target was 35-year-old Yair or 31-year-old Avner. Netanyahu has three children, including 48-year-old daughter Noa from an earlier marriage. When asked by Amir whether the claim was based on intelligence data, Netanyahu repeated the statement and described the incident as an exceptional event.

Something incredible happened: Iran has targeted one of my sons.

Iranian authorities did not issue an immediate statement regarding the allegations, and no independent intelligence documents were broadcast during the interview.

Security censorship and foreign travel

Following Netanyahu's televised remarks, Channel 12 reported that the alleged assassination attempt took place while Yair Netanyahu was outside Israel, without confirming whether he was the specific target. Israeli security forces had reportedly monitored the plot for months, but domestic military censorship had blocked any public reporting on the matter. Israeli journalist Amit Segal wrote on Telegram that the operation had been known to security circles for months under an official gag order. Yair Netanyahu has lived for extended periods in Miami in the United States since 2024 under domestic intelligence protection, while Avner Netanyahu lives in Israel.

Shin Bet protection and political rivals

Netanyahu connected the alleged Iranian plot to ongoing scrutiny regarding security protection for his immediate family and political rivals. In July, the ministerial committee for Shin Bet affairs approved a five-year security detail for his wife Sara and sons Yair and Avner, a measure that applies even if Netanyahu leaves the premiership during that time frame. Netanyahu defended the arrangement against public criticism during his interview.

Therefore, the security they have is not a luxury.

The prime minister also addressed reports indicating that the Shin Bet domestic security service had refused police protection to former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot is running tied with Netanyahu in public opinion polls ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for 27 October. Netanyahu noted that he contacted Shin Bet director David Zini to request security protection for every candidate running for prime minister, arguing that without adequate measures, hostile operations could succeed.

Political campaign and security measures

Netanyahu concluded his interview by urging Israeli political factions to lower tensions during the election season, asserting that security risks require heightened vigilance across the political landscape.

People need to show some restraint, especially in an election campaign.

The revelation places national security and intelligence protection at the center of the election campaign as candidates prepare for the October vote.