Netanyahu Says Iran Tried to Kill One of His Sons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, but he has not revealed which son was allegedly targeted or provided details about when or how the reported plot took place.

Netanyahu made the claim on Monday, August 24, during a telephone interview with Israel’s Channel 14. He said the alleged threat demonstrated why heightened security protection for political figures and their families was necessary.

‘Iran targeted one of my sons’

According to Netanyahu, Iran had specifically targeted one of his children and attempted to kill him.

The Israeli prime minister did not identify whether he was referring to his elder son, Yair Netanyahu, or his younger son, Avner Netanyahu. He also did not explain how the alleged assassination attempt was detected or how close it came to being carried out.

The accusation comes amid extremely high tensions between Israel and Iran and the continuing conflict between the two countries.

Netanyahu links claim to political security debate

Netanyahu's comments came while he was discussing security arrangements for political candidates ahead of Israel's October 27 general election.

Reports had indicated that Israel's Shin Bet security agency had been reluctant to provide protection to Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and political rival of Netanyahu.

Netanyahu said he had spoken with Shin Bet chief David Zini and requested appropriate security for candidates seeking to become prime minister. He argued that such protection was necessary given the threats allegedly posed by Iran.

Which son was targeted?

Netanyahu has two sons, Yair and Avner, but it remains unclear which one was allegedly targeted.

Yair, 35, has spent significant periods in Miami since 2024 and has reportedly received Shin Bet protection. Avner lives in Israel.

Israeli media reports have suggested that information about the alleged assassination attempt may have been subject to restrictions on publication for months. However, Netanyahu himself did not provide details that would independently establish the circumstances of the alleged plot.

Iran has not immediately responded

Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York had not immediately responded to requests for comment on Netanyahu's accusation, according to Reuters.

The lack of publicly available details means that the allegation remains a claim by the Israeli prime minister rather than a fully documented assassination attempt in the public domain.

Rising tensions between Israel and Iran

Netanyahu's statement comes against the backdrop of an escalating confrontation between Israel, Iran and their allies.

The accusation is likely to add another layer to the already tense political and security environment, particularly as Israel approaches its October election.

For now, however, major questions remain unanswered: which son was allegedly targeted, when the attempt occurred, who carried it out, and what evidence Israeli authorities have uncovered.

As more information emerges, the claim could become a significant part of the wider debate over Israel's security, its conflict with Iran and the country's upcoming election.