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Netanyahu: Iran targeted son
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons during a phone interview with Israel's Channel 14.
“"Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons,"”
Netanyahu told Channel 14: "Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons," and he said the claim came while discussing reports that the Shin Bet domestic security agency had declined to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot.
Netanyahu backed around-the-clock protection for Eisenkot, saying it was "not a luxury," and he warned, "Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed," as the remarks were tied to Israel's election campaign on October 27.
The reports did not specify which son was targeted, and the sources say Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter, with his elder son Yair described as spending extended periods in Miami since early 2024 under Shin Bet protection.
The Hindustan Times and NDTV also frame Netanyahu’s allegation as a claim that Iran tried to kill one of his sons, while noting it remained unclear whether Yair or Avner was targeted.
Security debate and publication ban
The claim was broadcast in connection with Channel 14 coverage, with The Times of India describing Netanyahu making the accusation during a phone call with Channel 14 military correspondent Noam Amir.
Netanyahu told Amir: "Iran tried to murder one of my sons. And this is why this promise [I am making] is more than a luxury - without it, they could succeed [in killing my son.]" as he called for restraint during Israel's election campaign.
The Times of India reports that Netanyahu said he had spoken to Shin Bet chief David Zini about security arrangements for candidates, and it also says the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved extended personal protection for Netanyahu's wife Sara and their sons, Yair and Avner, in July.
Gulf News adds that 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, after Netanyahu’s remarks became public on Monday.
NDTV similarly says Netanyahu’s comments came during discussions about Shin Bet refusing to provide a detail for Gadi Eisenkot and quotes Netanyahu saying, "Therefore, the security they (Netanyahu's family) get is not a luxury," while also noting it was unclear which son was targeted.
Threats, protection, and wider tensions
The sources connect Netanyahu’s allegation to Israel’s security posture, including Shin Bet personal protection decisions, with i24NEWS and other outlets also describing Iranian broadcasts and threats involving senior figures.
“The Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved on July 16 lifetime security protection for Netanyahu”
ynetglobal says the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved on July 16 lifetime security protection for Netanyahu, while it says Netanyahu’s wife Sara will be protected for as long as her husband is alive and that the prime minister’s sons will continue to receive security protection for five years even after he leaves office.
ynetglobal further states that security officials, including the Shin Bet and Mossad, have determined Netanyahu and his family will remain under a high-level threat for the rest of their lives because of the desire by Israel’s enemies to avenge operations and targeted killings carried out during the war.
The Jewish Chronicle reports that Netanyahu’s remarks were made in a spontaneous interview on Channel 14’s Sheva programme hosted by Noam Amir, and it quotes Netanyahu saying, "Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder, to kill one of my sons. It tried to murder him."
Separately, i24NEWS reports that Iranian state television broadcast a report of a $10 million reward to kill Barron Trump, describing ways to reach him and presenting the claim that "many would be willing" to accept the $10 million reward connected to efforts against him.