Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of attempting to assassinate one of his sons, according to remarks made during an interview with Israel's Channel 14. Netanyahu stated that he has requested Israeli law enforcement enhance protection for any candidate for prime minister.
"Iran tried to murder one of my sons," Netanyahu told the station. "And this is why this promise [I am making] is more than a luxury – without it, they could succeed [in killing my son]. People need to show some restraint, especially during an election campaign."
Netanyahu did not specify which of his two sons was the target of the alleged plot. The Israeli security agency Shin Bet had previously granted extended protection services to Netanyahu's wife, Sara, and their sons, Yair and Avner, beginning in July.
The prime minister did not provide details about the alleged assassination plot or how Israeli intelligence became aware of it. The accusation comes amid ongoing negotiations for a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, where they have been engaged with Iran-backed Hezbollah.
In recent months, Israel has publicized the seizure of a significant quantity of weapons from Hezbollah and Hamas, including rockets, drones, sniper rifles, and mortars. These weapons, with manufacturers ranging from Iran to Russia and China, as well as domestic producers in Lebanon and Gaza, were reportedly used by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israeli civilians and the military since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.
Hezbollah and Hamas are identified as proxies of Iran. Reports indicate these groups have been responsible for the deaths of over 300 American citizens. The Israeli military engaged in a multi-front conflict against Iran and its proxies at the height of recent hostilities.