Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of attempting to assassinate one of his sons, making the claim as tensions between Israel and Iran remain extremely high following months of military confrontation.
Netanyahu made the allegation during a telephone interview with Israel’s Channel 14 on Monday. He said Iran had targeted one of his sons and attempted to kill him, but did not identify which son was allegedly targeted or provide details about when, where or how the suspected plot was carried out.
The prime minister made the disclosure while discussing security arrangements for political leaders and candidates ahead of Israel’s October 27 general election. Netanyahu argued that the alleged threat demonstrated why enhanced protection for his family and other political figures should be regarded as necessary rather than a privilege.
Netanyahu has two sons, Yair and Avner. Yair has spent extended periods living in Miami, while Avner lives in Israel. It remains unclear which of them Netanyahu was referring to. Israeli media have reported that security officials had been aware of an alleged threat for months, although the details have not been independently verified.
The allegation comes amid an increasingly volatile relationship between Israel and Iran. The conflict has intensified following the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has included strikes against senior Iranian leadership. Iran has vowed retaliation, further raising concerns about potential attacks against Israeli and allied targets.
Netanyahu also linked the issue to a wider debate over security for political candidates, saying he supports appropriate protection for opposition figures such as former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Reports that a security agency had declined to provide Eisenkot with a dedicated security detail had prompted political discussion in Israel.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations had not immediately responded to Netanyahu’s accusation, according to Reuters. No independent evidence confirming the alleged assassination attempt has been publicly released.
The claim is likely to add further tension to Israel-Iran relations and could become a significant issue in Israel’s election campaign as the country faces continuing security threats and heightened regional instability.
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