Netanyahu accuses Iran of plot to kill one of his sons amid rising tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Monday that Iran had attempted to kill one of his sons, a new accusation that highlights the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war in February.

In a phone interview with Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu said Iran "tried to kill one of my sons," but did not disclose which son was targeted, when the alleged plot took place, or the nature of the operation. He also did not clarify how close the attempt came to being carried out.

Netanyahu made the statement while discussing the ongoing debate over security arrangements for candidates in the upcoming Israeli elections, following reports that the Israeli security agency Shin Bet had refused to provide protection for one of his political rivals.

Netanyahu stated that providing security for his sons is not a luxury, adding: "Iran tried to kill one of my sons, so this security protection is not a luxury."

It remains unclear which of Netanyahu's sons was referred to in his remarks. His eldest son, Yair, currently resides in Miami.

Iranian accusation without details

Netanyahu did not provide any information about the nature of the alleged attempt, the specific Iranian entity behind it, or its timing. He also did not say whether the operation had reached an advanced stage or was thwarted early on.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York has not yet responded to a request for comment on the accusation.

The revelation comes amid intensifying confrontation between Israel and Iran, which, according to the article's context, has included reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials since the US-Israeli war began in February.

Netanyahu weighs in on security for rivals

During the interview, the Israeli prime minister also addressed the dispute over providing security for candidates for prime minister, confirming that he had instructed Shin Bet chief David Zini to ensure appropriate protection for any candidate for the post.

Israeli media previously reported that Zini had refused to provide protection for Gadi Eisenkot, informing the election authority that there was no information indicating a plot to harm him.

This debate comes about two months before Israel's general elections, scheduled for October 27, at a time when polls indicate Netanyahu's coalition is losing ground.

Eisenkot's party is expected to win the most seats in the election, though this does not guarantee the formation of a government, as Israeli governments are typically formed through coalitions of multiple parties, with no single party holding an outright parliamentary majority.

Netanyahu's claim of an Iranian plot against one of his sons puts security issues at the center of the election campaign, as tensions with Iran persist and the election date approaches, adding a new dimension to the political debate over the protection of candidates and individuals linked to the Israeli prime minister.