Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on August 24, 2026, that Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons but did not specify which son, when the attempt occurred, or how close it came to success [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He made the claim during a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14, repeating that "Iran tried to murder one of my sons, and therefore this security protection is not a luxury" [1]. Netanyahu emphasized the seriousness by saying, "There is something quite unbelievable, yes. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill, to murder one of my sons" [2].
Netanyahu instructed Shin Bet security chief David Zini to provide appropriate protection for any prime ministerial candidate, stressing the need for such security for him and his family [1, 2, 3, 6]. However, the Israeli security agency Shin Bet has rejected providing personal security for Netanyahu’s political rival, former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, saying no threat was detected against Eisenkot [1, 2, 3, 6]. The prime minister has two sons and one daughter. His elder son, Yair Netanyahu, 35, lives in Miami and reportedly receives Israeli taxpayer-funded security protection, which has sparked controversy and raised concerns in Florida about security risks [1, 2, 3, 5, 6].
The assassination claim reflects heightened tensions following a February 28, 2026, US-Israeli airstrike that killed the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior Iranian officials [3, 6]. After Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed new Supreme Leader. Netanyahu’s allegation comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and as Israel prepares for a general election scheduled for October 27, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 6]. Currently, Netanyahu’s coalition trails in polls while Eisenkot’s party is projected to win the most seats.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Netanyahu’s accusation [1, 2, 3, 6]. Netanyahu’s warnings about targeted assassination attempts coincide with a volatile regional security environment.
The Israeli general election set for October 27, 2026 remains the next major political event as Netanyahu faces both electoral challenges and a tense security situation at home and abroad [1, 2, 3, 6].
