Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Plot to Assassinate His Son, Demands Enhanced Protection

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran of a forceful response to any future attacks, underscoring Israel’s right to self-defense following recent confrontations. The remarks come amid heightened regional volatility, including Iran’s reliance on proxy forces such as Hezbollah and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States. Internal dissent within Iran was also noted as a factor in the current dynamic.

During an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 on Monday, Netanyahu accused Iran of attempting to assassinate one of his sons. He stated that he has requested Israeli law enforcement to strengthen protective measures for any prime ministerial candidate.

“This is an unbelievable case. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons,” Netanyahu told the station, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Shin Bet Special Operations Command Center on Sept. 9, 2025. (Shin Bet Communications)

When asked by a Channel 14 reporter whether the claim was based on intelligence provided to him, Netanyahu replied, “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 did not specify which of his two sons, Yair or Avner, was the intended target. The Israeli security agency Shin Bet began providing extended protection to Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, and their sons starting in July.

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to members of the media following a meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 8, 2025. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The prime minister offered no details regarding the nature of the assassination plot or how Israeli intelligence uncovered it. The allegation surfaces as Israel continues negotiations for the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon, where they have been engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, second from left, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, attends a conference in Tehran, Iran, on July 4, 2026. (Iranian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The accusation follows Israel’s recent public disclosure of a vast arsenal seized from Hezbollah and Hamas in recent months. The cache includes rockets, grenades, drones, sniper rifles, automated weapons, anti-tank rocket launchers, mortars, and other military hardware. Manufacturers range from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia to China, as well as domestic producers in Lebanon and Gaza; notably, a Nazi-era firearm was also among the confiscated items. These weapons were used by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israeli civilians and the Israel Defense Forces since the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel.

Hezbollah and Hamas, recognized as Iranian proxies, have been responsible for the deaths of over 300 American citizens, according to reports. At the height of the multi-front conflict, Israel confronted Iran and its proxies directly. The remnants of Iranian rockets remain scattered outside the weapons storage facility at Tzrifin, where they were displayed for journalistic inspection.

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