ALBAWABA- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, but he did not identify which son was allegedly targeted or provide details about when or how the reported plot was carried out.
Netanyahu made the allegation Monday during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14 while discussing security arrangements for political figures ahead of Israel’s upcoming general election. “Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him,” Netanyahu said, describing the alleged attempt as an “unbelievable case.” He argued that the incident demonstrated the need for stronger protection for political candidates.
The prime minister did not present publicly available evidence to substantiate the allegation. Reuters noted that Netanyahu did not say which son was targeted, when the alleged attempt occurred, how it was organized, or how close it came to succeeding.
The claim comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following the wider US-Israeli war with Iran and the continuing confrontation between the two countries. Netanyahu has repeatedly portrayed Iran as a major security threat to Israel, while Tehran and Israel have engaged in years of covert operations, cyberattacks, assassinations and direct military strikes.
The allegation also emerged against the backdrop of a domestic dispute over security protection for Israeli political figures. Netanyahu referred to the issue while defending the need for enhanced protection for political candidates, including his rival Gadi Eisenkot, amid preparations for the October 27 election.
Reuters reported that Netanyahu’s coalition is currently trailing in opinion polls.
Israeli authorities have separately maintained extensive security measures around Netanyahu and his family.
In July, a ministerial committee approved lifetime security protection for Netanyahu, while his wife, Sara, is to receive protection for as long as he remains alive. Their sons are also scheduled to retain security protection for five years after Netanyahu leaves office, with the current arrangements effectively extending through 2031. Israeli media reported that the alleged Iranian plot had been subject to a publication ban for months.
Netanyahu has two sons, Yair Netanyahu and Avner Netanyahu, as well as a daughter, Noa, from his previous marriage. Yair, the elder son, has been living largely in Miami and has previously received security protection, while Avner served in the Israel Defense Forces and has maintained a considerably lower public profile.
