Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran targeted one of his sons, though he provided no further details regarding the alleged attempt.
Key facts
- •Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a Channel 14 interview that Iran attempted to kill one of his sons.
- •The Prime Minister did not specify which of his two sons was the target of the alleged plot.
- •The claim was made during a conversation about security details for election candidate Gadi Eisenkot.
- •Journalist Amit Segal reported that the incident had been under a gag order for months.
- •Netanyahu's son Yair has resided in Miami since early 2024 with security protection.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday, August 23, 2026, that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons. Netanyahu made the claim during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14, though he did not provide specific details about the incident. The Prime Minister has two sons and a daughter, but he did not specify which son was allegedly targeted.
Context of the security discussion
Netanyahu’s comments arose during a discussion regarding reports that the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency, had declined to provide security for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot is currently running against Netanyahu in the upcoming October 27 elections. Netanyahu expressed support for providing Eisenkot with constant protection, describing it as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Public reaction and reporting
Following Netanyahu's statement, Israeli journalist Amit Segal claimed on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for months but was previously subject to a gag order. Netanyahu's elder son, 35-year-old Yair, has been living in Miami since early 2024, reportedly under Shin Bet protection. His residence in the United States has faced scrutiny in Israel regarding taxpayer costs and potential security risks to the area.
Timeline
- Early 2024Yair Netanyahu began spending extended periods in Miami, Florida.
- August 23, 2026Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly claimed Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons.
- October 27, 2026The date scheduled for the upcoming Israeli elections.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu.
