Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Netanyahu Says Iran Tried to Kill One Son
Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran tried to kill one of his sons.
He has two sons, Yair and Avner, but did not say which one was targeted.
He also did not explain when the alleged plot happened or how close it came to succeeding.
Netanyahu said this was why his family needed security guards.
Israel’s Shin Bet security agency approved protection for his wife and both sons for at least five years.
Netanyahu also said people running for prime minister should receive suitable protection.
Israeli media reported that Gadi Eisenkot was not given protection because officials said there was no credible plan to harm him.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately answer the accusation.
Around the same time, Iranian television aired a video threatening Donald Trump’s son Barron, but its alleged bounty had not been independently verified.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons but identified neither the son nor the alleged plot’s timing.
He made the claim in a Channel 14 telephone interview on August 24, ahead of Israel’s October 27 election.
Netanyahu said the alleged threat showed that security protection for his family and prime-ministerial candidates was necessary.
Shin Bet approved at least five years of protection for Sara Netanyahu and their sons, while Israeli media said Gadi Eisenkot was denied protection.
Iran did not immediately respond; separately, Iranian state television aired an unverified threat against Barron Trump involving an alleged $10 million bounty.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the allegation; the security dispute also involves Shin Bet Director David Zini and political rival Gadi Eisenkot.
- What
- Netanyahu said Iran tried to kill one of his sons and used the claim to defend security protection for his family and election candidates.
- When
- He made the statement on Monday, August 24, two months before Israel’s October 27 general election.
- Where
- Netanyahu made the claim during a telephone interview with Israel’s Channel 14.
- Why
- He said the alleged Iranian threat showed that security protection was necessary rather than a luxury.
Netanyahu’s security argument
Publicly reported evidence
Whether an Iranian plot existed
Netanyahu’s security argument
Netanyahu said Iran targeted one of his sons and tried to murder him.
Publicly reported evidence
He provided no public details about the timing, target, method or proximity to success, and Iran had not responded to the allegation.
Protection for Netanyahu’s family
Netanyahu’s security argument
Netanyahu said security for his wife and sons was necessary because attackers could otherwise succeed.
Publicly reported evidence
Reports confirmed that extended protection was approved but did not publicly explain the security agency’s assessment of the alleged plot.
Protection for election candidates
Netanyahu’s security argument
Netanyahu said every candidate for prime minister should receive appropriate security because of the Iranian threat.
Publicly reported evidence
Israeli media reported that David Zini declined protection for Gadi Eisenkot and told the election authority there was no plot to harm him.
Threat against Barron Trump
Netanyahu’s security argument
Iranian state television’s video claimed that Barron Trump faced a $10 million bounty and presented purported information about his locations and security.
Publicly reported evidence
The bounty and much of the video’s material could not be independently verified; the US Secret Service confirmed awareness of the broadcast but did not discuss protective intelligence.
- Alleged target
- One of Netanyahu’s sons, Yair or Avner; he did not specify which one.
- Accused country
- Iran.
- Family protection
- The Shin Bet approved protection for Sara Netanyahu and the couple’s two sons.
- Protection duration
- The reported arrangement would last at least five years, including if Netanyahu loses the election.
- Election date
- October 27.
- Political rival
- Gadi Eisenkot, whose reported request for protection was declined.
- Separate US threat
- Iranian state television aired a video targeting Barron Trump and alleged a $10 million bounty; the claim was not independently verified.
- Official responses
- Iran’s UN mission did not immediately respond, while the US Secret Service said it was aware of the video and investigates perceived threats.
Sources
‘Iran tried to assassinate one of my sons,’ says Benjamin Netanyahu, justifies security cover
‘Iran tried to kill my son’: Netanyahu claim amid $10m Barron Trump threat
'Iran Tried to Kill One of My Sons': Israel's Netanyahu Drops Bombshell Claim Amid War
