Shin Bet Confirms Significant Threat Against Yair Netanyahu, Prompting Emergency Evacuation

Five days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed an assassination plot targeting one of his sons, the Shin Bet security agency confirmed a significant threat against Yair Netanyahu. Following a situation assessment, Shin Bet decided to urgently evacuate Yair Netanyahu and his security team back to Israel. According to reports from Newsmax citing an American source, Israeli intelligence uncovered in December a plot by Iranian operatives to assassinate Yair Netanyahu while he was living in Hallandale Beach near Miami. The Iranian cell had been surveilling Yair’s residence and daily routine. Upon discovering the threat, urgent warnings were sent to U.S. authorities, and Yair, accompanied by Israeli security, was instructed to leave immediately, leaving belongings behind and returning to Israel, where he currently resides.

Prime Minister Netanyahu had disclosed the assassination attempt two days earlier but did not specify which son was targeted. He emphasized the necessity of extensive security measures for his family, stating that without adequate protection, the attackers might succeed. In July, Shin Bet extended direct security protection for Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, and sons Yair and Avner for five years beyond Netanyahu’s term. Retired Brigadier General Ronen Cohen, chair of the advisory committee on personal security, previously revealed that an assassination attempt on a Netanyahu family member was foiled at the last minute, though details were initially classified.

Last month, Shin Bet chief David Zini faced criticism for apparently conceding to Sara Netanyahu’s demand for lifelong security for herself and her sons, contrary to professional recommendations. The Prime Minister himself has been granted Shin Bet protection for 20 years, until age 96. The decision to secure his family members ensures ongoing close protection regardless of upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Iran has escalated threats against families of world leaders, recently broadcasting a video targeting Donald Trump’s son Barron Trump, suggesting where and how to kill him and claiming a $10 million bounty. U.S. intelligence confirmed awareness and is addressing such threats.