Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Monday that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons. The disclosure was made during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14, in which the Prime Minister described the event as an unbelievable case
.
Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Plotting to Assassinate Son
During the broadcast, Netanyahu stated, Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons
. When asked by military correspondent Noam Amir if the attempt was part of intelligence provided to him, Netanyahu repeated that Iran had tried to murder one of his sons, adding that this promise [I am making] is more than a luxury – without it, they could succeed [in killing my son]
. According to Israel National News, the information regarding this attempt had previously been prohibited from publication.
Netanyahu did not provide specific details regarding when the attempt occurred, how it was carried out, or which of his two sons—Yair or Avner—was the target. The Prime Minister called for restraint, particularly during an ongoing election campaign.
Security Measures for Political Candidates
The Prime Minister’s claims coincided with discussions regarding security details for political figures. Netanyahu stated that he spoke with Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini to request appropriate security for any prime ministerial candidate.
This request followed reports that the Shin Bet had been hesitant to grant a security detail to Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff and major contender for prime minister in the upcoming October elections. Netanyahu emphasized that such protection is not a luxury
and is necessary to prevent Iranian plots from succeeding.
Protection for the Netanyahu Family
In July, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved extended personal protection for Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, and their sons, Yair and Avner. According to Israel National News, the committee approved security for life for Netanyahu and security for the remainder of his life for Sara. His sons are to be secured for five years, even if Netanyahu does not serve another term.
The Shin Bet and Mossad determined that the Netanyahu family faces a high level of threat for their entire lives. This assessment is based on the desire of Israel’s enemies to seek revenge for the assassinations of senior Iranian officials during the war. The Prime Minister’s elder son, Yair, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024, reportedly under Shin Bet protection, a move that has sparked controversy in Israel regarding the use of taxpayer funds.
Broader Context of Iranian Threats
The Prime Minister’s announcement comes amid severe regional tensions. Israel has recently publicized the confiscation of a massive store of military firepower—including drones, sniper rifles, and anti-tank rocket launchers—from Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are known proxies of Iran. Additionally, Israel is currently in negotiations for the withdrawal of forces from Lebanon, where they have fought Hezbollah.
Iranian intelligence efforts within Israel have been documented previously. Two years ago, police and the Shin Bet arrested Motti Maman, a 73-year-old Ashkelon resident who had been recruited by Iranian intelligence to assassinate figures including Defense Minister Yoav Galant, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Similar threats have extended to U.S. figures. Iranian state television recently aired a video titled Where and How Barron Trump Should Be Killed
, claiming the 20-year-old son of Donald Trump had been fully monitored
and alleging a $10 million bounty for his assassination. Other Iranian media reports have targeted Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump, and a billboard in Tehran’s Islamic Revolution Square displayed an image of Donald Trump in a coffin with the words, We will kill Trump
.
