Netanyahu says Iran tried to kill one of his sons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons, though he did not specify which one. This assertion emerged during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14, in which Netanyahu discussed the Shin Bet agency's decision not to provide a security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief running close to Netanyahu in the upcoming elections on October 27.

Netanyahu advocated for constant protection for Eisenkot, deeming it "not a luxury". He added, "Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed." Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter. The identity of the son allegedly targeted remains unknown. His eldest son, Yair, 35, has been in Miami since early 2024 under Shin Bet protection, a decision that has sparked controversy in Israel due to its cost to taxpayers and potential concerns of becoming a target for attacks by Israel's enemies.

Following Netanyahu's announcement, Israeli journalist Amit Segal disclosed on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for "months" but was under a gag order. In February 2024, Israel carried out US-Israeli strikes, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and some of his family members. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, was appointed as the new supreme leader a week later.

In a state TV address, Mojtaba Khamenei expressed grief over the loss of his father, wife, sister, her child, and brother-in-law. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen publicly since his appointment and was reportedly wounded in the same strikes that claimed his father's life.