Israel’s Netanyahu says Iran ‘tried to kill’ one of his sons

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Aug 24 that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, without offering further details.

“Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons,” Netanyahu said, during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14.

The claim came during a discussion about reports that the Shin Bet domestic security agency had declined to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief who is running neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of elections on Oct 27.

Netanyahu voiced support for around-the-clock protection for Eisenkot, saying it was “not a luxury”.

“Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed,” he said.

Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter. It remains unclear which of his sons was allegedly targeted.

His elder son, Yair, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024, reportedly under Shin Bet protection.

His stay in the United States has attracted controversy in Israel over the cost to taxpayers of providing security, while some residents in south Florida have expressed concern that his presence could make the area a target for attacks by Israel’s enemies.

Shortly after Netanyahu’s remarks became public on Aug 24, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal wrote on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for “months” but was subject to a gag order. AFP