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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, without providing 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.
Netanyahu joined the broadcast by phone after the program’s host called him and answered questions on political issues.
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 Israel’s Oct. 27 elections.
Netanyahu voiced support for around-the-clock protection for Eisenkot, saying it was “not a luxury.”
“Without that, the Iranians will succeed,” he said.
As Netanyahu loses support in polls ahead of the elections, he called on voters not to vote for small right-wing parties.
He also argued that Israel’s recent attack on Syria was not motivated by political calculations ahead of the vote.
Netanyahu claimed during the broadcast that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons.
Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that publication of information about the alleged assassination attempt had been banned for months, noting that Netanyahu disclosed it live on air.
Prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal also wrote on Telegram shortly after Netanyahu’s remarks became public that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for “months” but was subject to a gag order.
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Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter.
It was not immediately clear 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 drawn controversy in Israel over the cost to taxpayers of providing security.
Some residents in South Florida have also expressed concern that his presence could make the area a target for attacks by Israel’s enemies.
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