- Israeli Prime Minister offers no specifics regarding alleged Iranian plot.
- Netanyahu emphasizes that protecting his son’s security isn’t optional.
- Netanyahu instructs the Shin Bet head to safeguard election candidates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Monday that Iran attempted to kill one of his sons, though he provided no details about when the alleged plot occurred, which son was targeted, or how close it came to success.
His statement highlights rising tensions since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in February, during which senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were reportedly targeted and eliminated.
Netanyahu, whose coalition is trailing in national polls less than two months before the October 27 election, made the assertion during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14.
He responded to reports suggesting that one of Israel’s security agencies refused to offer protection to a political rival ahead of the national vote.
“Regarding my sons, I find this absolutely unbelievable. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder one of my sons,” Netanyahu said on the conservative channel known for its favorable coverage of the government.
“Iran tried to assassinate one of my sons, and because of that, security protection is not a luxury,” he added, without elaborating further on the details or how close the plot came to execution.
It’s unclear which son he referenced. Netanyahu’s older son, Yair, resides in Miami.
The Iranian Mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately comment on the accusation.
Netanyahu also mentioned that he instructed Shin Bet Chief David Zini to ensure that all presidential candidates receive adequate security.
Earlier reports indicated Zini declined to provide security for Gadi Eisenkot and told Israel’s election authority there was no threat against him.
Eisenkot’s party is expected to win the most seats in the upcoming election, though Israeli governments are typically formed through coalitions involving multiple parties rather than outright majority control.