Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, without specifying which son was targeted, when the alleged plot occurred, or where it took place. "Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons," Netanyahu said during a phone interview with Channel 14, a conservative Israeli television outlet known for favourable coverage of the government. The claim emerged during a broader discussion about personal security arrangements for senior Israeli figures.
The assertion arose in the context of reports that the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence and security agency, had declined to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief who is competing closely with Netanyahu ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Netanyahu voiced support for round-the-clock protection for Eisenkot, describing it as "not a luxury" and warning that without it, "the Iranians will succeed." Shortly after Netanyahu's remarks became public, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal reported on Telegram that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for months but was subject to a gag order.
Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter. Both sons were granted extended personal protection by Israeli authorities in July. His elder son, Yair, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024, a situation that has drawn controversy in Israel over the cost to taxpayers, while some residents in south Florida have expressed concern that his presence could make the area a potential target.
The claim comes amid a dramatically changed regional landscape. A joint US-Israeli strike on Tehran on February 28 killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several of his family members, including his daughter and a 14-month-old granddaughter. His son Mojtaba was named the new supreme leader a week later. Mojtaba Khamenei, who was reportedly wounded in the same strikes, has not appeared in public since his appointment, but has pledged to "avenge the blood" of his father.
Netanyahu's allegation carries significant political weight domestically, arriving as his coalition trails in opinion polls ahead of October's election. Whether the claim reflects a verified threat or serves to reinforce the government's security narrative remains unclear, as Israeli authorities have not provided corroborating details or official confirmation beyond the prime minister's own words.