Netanyahu Says Iran Tried to Kill His Son

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, adding another layer to heightened tensions between Israel and Tehran following months of conflict.

Netanyahu made the allegation during a telephone interview with Israel’s Channel 14 but did not identify which son was allegedly targeted. He also provided no details about when the suspected assassination attempt occurred, how it was planned or how close it came to succeeding.

“Iran tried to kill, to murder one of my sons,” Netanyahu told the conservative Israeli broadcaster, arguing that security protection for his family was necessary rather than a luxury.

The accusation comes amid continued Israel-Iran tensions following the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran that began in February. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials were killed during the conflict.

Netanyahu’s comments also come ahead of Israel’s October 27 general election. His governing coalition is currently trailing in opinion polls with roughly two months remaining before voters head to the polls.

The Israeli prime minister raised the alleged Iranian plot while discussing reports that a security agency had declined to provide protection to political rival Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu said he had instructed Shin Bet chief David Zini to ensure appropriate security arrangements for any candidate running for prime minister.

Israeli media previously reported that Zini declined to provide protection for Eisenkot after determining there was no known plot to harm him.

Eisenkot’s party is projected to secure the largest number of seats in the upcoming Israeli election. However, Israel’s parliamentary system typically requires parties to negotiate coalition agreements to form a government.

Netanyahu has two sons, Yair and Avner. His elder son, Yair Netanyahu, currently lives in Miami. The prime minister did not clarify which son was allegedly targeted by Iran.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Netanyahu’s assassination allegation.