Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, but did not identify which son was allegedly targeted or provide details of the reported attempt.
“Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons,” Netanyahu said during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14.
Netanyahu made the claim while discussing reports that Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security agency had refused to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief who is running neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 elections.
The prime minister backed calls for Eisenkot to receive round-the-clock protection, describing such security as “not a luxury”.
“Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed,” he said.
Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter, but it remains unclear which of his sons he was referring to in his allegation.
His elder son, Yair Netanyahu, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024, reportedly under Shin Bet protection. His presence in the United States has sparked controversy in Israel over the cost of his taxpayer-funded security.
Some residents in south Florida have also raised concerns that Yair’s presence could increase the risk of the area becoming a target for attacks by Israel’s enemies.
After Netanyahu’s remarks emerged on Monday, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal said on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for “months” but was subject to a gag order.
(AFP)