Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday claimed that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons, but offered no details about when or how the alleged attempt was made.
Speaking in a phone interview with Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu said, "Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons."
The Israeli prime minister has two sons, Yair and Avner, and a daughter. It remained unclear whether Yair or Avner was allegedly targeted.
Netanyahu did not explain how the purported assassination attempt was carried out or when it occurred.
Claim Comes Amid Security Debate
Netanyahu's remarks came during a discussion about reports that Israel's domestic security agency, Shin Bet, had declined to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief who is running neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 elections.
Netanyahu backed providing Eisenkot with round-the-clock protection, arguing that security for political candidates was necessary.
"Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed," he said.
He also addressed the security provided to his own family, saying that protection for his wife and sons was not a luxury. An agreement has reportedly been reached with Shin Bet to provide security to them for at least five years, even if Netanyahu loses the elections.
"Therefore, the security they (Netanyahu's family) get is not a luxury," he said.
Netanyahu added, "Without it (protection), they could succeed [in killing my son.] People need to show some restraint, especially during an election campaign."
Yair Netanyahu Has Stayed In Miami
Netanyahu's elder son, Yair, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since 2024. Reports have said he was under Shin Bet protection while staying in the United States.
His presence in Miami and the security arrangements surrounding him have previously attracted controversy over the use of taxpayers' money. Avner, Netanyahu's younger son, has lived most of his life in Israel.
"I spoke with the Shin Bet chief and asked him to provide appropriate security to any prime ministerial candidate," Netanyahu said, referring to the controversy surrounding the reported decision not to provide security to Eisenkot.
Shortly after Netanyahu's remarks became public on Monday, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal wrote on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for "months" but had been subject to a gag order.
Netanyahu did not provide further details about the alleged Iranian operation.
Iran-Israel Conflict Background
The claim comes against the backdrop of the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening salvo of US-Israeli strikes on February 28, along with some of his family members.
Khamenei's son Mojtaba, one of his six children, was named Iran's new supreme leader a week later.
In a message read on his behalf on Iranian state television, Mojtaba Khamenei said he had lost his father as well as his wife, sister, her child and his brother-in-law.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since being appointed supreme leader and was reportedly wounded in the same strikes that killed his father.
In another message attributed to him and released during funeral ceremonies for his father, the new Iranian leader pledged to "avenge the blood" of Ali Khamenei.
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