Netanyahu says Iran tried to kill one of his sons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged on Monday that Iran attempted to murder one of his sons, though he did not specify details such as the son targeted, the time of the alleged plot, or how close it came to being carried out. This claim comes amid heightened tensions since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in February, during which top Iranian leaders were reportedly killed.

The statement was made in a telephone interview with Israel's Channel 14, as Netanyahu responded to reports that Israel's security agencies had denied protection for a political rival ahead of the upcoming October 27 general election. He expressed disbelief that Iran targeted one of his sons, emphasizing that such security measures are no longer optional.

The specific son in question remains unclear, as Netanyahu's elder son, Yair, resides in Miami. Iran's UN mission in New York declined to comment on the accusation. Netanyahu also mentioned instructing the Shin Bet security agency chief, David Zini, to ensure appropriate security for any prime ministerial candidate. Reports earlier suggested that Zini had declined to provide security for Gadi Eisenkot, with the election authority stating there was no assassination plot.

Eisenkot's party is expected to secure the most seats in the election, though Israeli governments typically form through coalitions rather than a single party achieving a parliamentary majority.