Netanyahu claims Iran attempted to assassinate his son

On August 24, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons. During a phone conversation with Channel 14 journalist Noam Amir, Netanyahu stated that this threat justified the heightened security arrangements provided to his family. He did not specify which of his two sons was targeted, though reports note that he has one son aged 31 residing in Israel and another aged 35 living in Miami, USA.

The Prime Minister defended his decision to reach an agreement with the Shin Bet security service, which mandates that his two sons and his wife, Sara, receive state protection for at least five years, even if he loses his position in upcoming elections. Netanyahu emphasized that such security measures are not a luxury but a necessity for the safety of his family and other political candidates.

Netanyahu confirmed that he consulted with the head of the security agency, David Zini, requesting appropriate protection for all candidates in the current electoral race. While the Prime Minister provided no further details regarding the timing or method of the alleged Iranian attempt, his comments serve as a justification for the controversial long-term security provisions for his immediate family.