Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Attempted Assassination Targeting His Son

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran on August 24, 2026, of attempting to assassinate one of his sons, publicly disclosing the alleged plot while calling for political restraint ahead of Israel's October general election.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Israel's Channel 14 military correspondent Noam Amir, the prime minister disclosed that Iranian operatives had targeted his immediate family. Netanyahu did not clarify whether the plot targeted his elder son, Yair, who currently resides in Miami, or his younger son, Avner.

The Israeli leader emphasized the severity of the threat during the broadcast while urging political figures to maintain composure during the ongoing campaign season.

"This is an unbelievable case. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons," Netanyahu said.

When asked by the interviewer if the information stemmed from official intelligence provided to him, Netanyahu reiterated his statement while emphasizing the necessity of heightened personal security measures.

"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.] People need to show some restraint, especially during an election campaign," Netanyahu stated.

The Prime Minister did not provide specific details regarding when the alleged plot was uncovered, how close it came to execution, or how Israeli intelligence identified the threat. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the accusation.

The allegation comes amid heightened regional security operations following the confiscation of massive Hezbollah and Hamas weapon stockpiles in recent months, alongside a wider multi-front conflict. In response to elevated risks, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs had previously approved extended personal protection for Netanyahu's wife, Sara, and their two sons in July.

During the interview, Netanyahu addressed security protocols for political figures, revealing that he had urged the Israel Security Agency to ensure comprehensive protection for all individuals running for the country's top office ahead of the October 27 vote.

"I spoke with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief [David Zini] and asked him to provide appropriate security to any prime ministerial candidate," Netanyahu said.

The prime minister's request followed reports that the Shin Bet had hesitated to assign personal security detail to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, whose political party is currently leading in opinion polls ahead of the national election.

"As for my sons. Here, I think there is something quite unbelievable, yes. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill, to murder one of my sons," Netanyahu said.

Addressing the broader necessity of security details for his family members, the prime minister reiterated the gravity of the Iranian threat.

"Iran tried to murder one of my sons, and therefore this security protection is not a luxury," Netanyahu said.