<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/israel-warns-hamas-of-increased-strikes-if-launch-of-balloons-and-kites-continues-23646300" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Monday claimed that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, but did not provide details about the alleged plot or identify which son was targeted.</p>
<p>"Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons," Netanyahu said during a phone interview with Israel's Channel 14.</p>
<p>The claim came during a discussion about reports that Israel's domestic security agency, Shin Bet, had declined to provide a security detail for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is running neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of elections scheduled for October 27.</p>
<h2>Netanyahu backs security for former army chief</h2>
<p>Netanyahu expressed support for round-the-clock protection for Eisenkot, saying such security was necessary and should not be considered a luxury.</p>
<p>"Without that, (the Iranians) will succeed," he said.</p>
<p>Netanyahu's comments appeared to link the need for enhanced protection for senior Israeli figures to the threat posed by Iran. However, he did not explain when or how Iranian operatives allegedly attempted to target his son.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/israel-us-talks-netanyahu-lands-in-washington-for-key-talks-with-trump-on-iran-regional-security-23641936" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Israeli prime minister</a> has two sons and a daughter. It remains unclear which of his sons he was referring to in his remarks.</p>
<h2>Yair Netanyahu has lived in Miami</h2>
<p>Netanyahu's elder son, Yair Netanyahu, 35, has spent extended periods in Miami since early 2024 and has reportedly been provided security by Shin Bet.</p>
<p>His stay in the United States has previously triggered controversy in Israel over the cost to taxpayers of maintaining his security detail. His presence has also drawn concern from some residents in south Florida, who have expressed fears that his association with the Israeli prime minister could make the area a potential target for attacks by Israel's adversaries.</p>
<p>Netanyahu did not specify whether his latest claim referred to Yair or his other son, Avner.</p>
<h2>Israeli journalist says alleged plot was known for months</h2>
<p>Shortly after <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/netanyahu-thanks-pm-modi-as-india-israel-leaders-review-strategic-ties-west-asia-situation-23643751" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Netanyahu's remarks</a> became public on Monday, prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal said on his Telegram channel that the alleged assassination attempt had been known for "months" but was subject to a gag order.</p>
<p>The claim has not been accompanied by publicly disclosed details about the alleged operation, including when it took place, how the threat was detected or whether anyone was arrested in connection with it.</p>
<p>Netanyahu's remarks come against the backdrop of continuing tensions between Israel and Iran and heightened concerns over the security of senior Israeli officials and their families.</p>
<h2>Israel-Iran conflict has included attacks on leadership</h2>
<p>The latest claim comes after a major escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran.</p>
<p>Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening salvo of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-israel-attack-iran-8-killed-95-injured-as-us-israeli-strikes-hit-irans-b1-bridge-23623934" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">US-Israeli strikes</a> on February 28, along with some members of his family.</p>
<p>Khamenei's son Mojtaba, one of his six children, was named the new supreme leader a week later.</p>
<p>In a message read on his behalf on Iranian state television, Mojtaba Khamenei said that, in addition to his father, he had lost his wife, his sister, her child and his brother-in-law.</p>
<h2>Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly wounded in strikes</h2>
<p>Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since his appointment as Iran's supreme leader. He was also reportedly wounded in the same strikes that killed his father.</p>
<p>In another message attributed to him and released during funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, the new Iranian leader pledged to "avenge the blood" of his father.</p>
<p>The developments have added to the already heightened security concerns surrounding the leadership of both countries.</p>
<p><strong>(With inputs from AFP)</strong></p>

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'Iran tried to kill one of my sons': Benjamin Netanyahu claims alleged Iranian assassination attempt

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