JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, revealing details that had been under a publication ban for months.
Speaking in a live conversation with Channel 14 military correspondent Noam Amir, Netanyahu described the alleged plot and linked it to the need for ongoing security for his family.
“There is something that is unbelievable,” Netanyahu said. “Iran ‘targeted’ one of my sons. It tried to assassinate one of my sons. That is why this security is not a luxury. Without it, they will succeed.”
He added that people “need to show restraint even during an election campaign.”
The prime minister also said he had spoken with Shin Bet chief David Zini and asked him to ensure appropriate security for any prime ministerial candidate.
According to Israeli media reports, the information about the Iranian attempt had been barred from publication for months. Netanyahu made the comments amid discussion of extended security arrangements for him and his family.
In July, a ministerial committee approved lifetime security protection for Netanyahu and protection for his wife, Sara, for as long as he is alive. His sons are to receive security for five years after he leaves office.
Security officials have assessed that Netanyahu and his family face a high-level threat due to efforts by Israel’s enemies to avenge operations carried out during recent conflicts, according to reports.
Netanyahu did not specify which of his sons was targeted or provide further operational details about the alleged plot. The revelation comes against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Israel and Iran, including previous Iranian-linked plots targeting Israeli officials.