Israel's Netanyahu says Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, though he offered no evidence or further specifics. The claim was made during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14 as he discussed security arrangements ahead of the October 27 election, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged plot. Netanyahu’s statement coincided with reports that the Shin Bet domestic security agency had refused to provide a personal security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief who is running neck‑and‑neck with Netanyahu in the upcoming vote. While Netanyahu has three children—a daughter and two sons—the identity of the targeted son was not disclosed; his elder son Yair, 35, has been living for extended periods in Miami under Shin Bet protection, a situation that has already sparked controversy over the cost to Israeli taxpayers and concerns among South Florida residents about potential retaliation.

The allegation emerges against a backdrop of heightened tensions following a series of high‑profile strikes earlier in the year. In late February, Israel and the United States carried out coordinated attacks that killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several of his family members, after which Khamenei’s son Mojtaba was named the new supreme leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly sustained injuries in the same strikes, has since remained out of public view but issued a televised message pledging to “avenge the blood” of his father. The purported assassination attempt on Netanyahu’s son, if true, would represent a direct retaliation by Iran against Israel’s recent lethal actions, underscoring the escalating cycle of violence between the two nations. Journalist Amit Segal later claimed on Telegram that the alleged plot had been known for months but was subject to a gag order, suggesting that Israeli authorities may have been suppressing details for security or political reasons.

Netanyahu’s remarks have immediate political implications as the nation heads toward a tightly contested election. By linking a personal threat to Iran with the broader security debate, he bolsters his narrative that strong, continuous protection—such as the round‑the‑clock security he advocates for Eisenkot—is essential and not a “luxury.” The claim also places pressure on Shin Bet, which has already faced criticism for declining Eisenkot’s protection request, and may influence public perception of the incumbent government’s handling of national security. Internationally, the allegation could further strain Israel‑Iran relations, potentially prompting diplomatic protests or retaliatory measures, while also drawing scrutiny from allies concerned about the risk of escalation in an already volatile Middle‑East environment.

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