Iranian Assassination Plot Targets Yair Netanyahu, Prompting Urgent Evacuation to Israel

An assassination plot against Yair Netanyahu, the eldest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was uncovered by Israeli intelligence last December. According to a report by Newsmax citing a U.S. source, Iranian operatives planned to kill Yair Netanyahu while he was living in Hallandale Beach near Miami. The Iranian cell had already been conducting surveillance on his residence and daily routine.

Upon discovering the threat, Israeli intelligence alerted U.S. authorities, and Yair Netanyahu was immediately evacuated back to Israel under close Israeli security protection, leaving his belongings behind. He currently resides in Israel. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his children but did not specify which son. He emphasized the necessity of extensive security measures for his family, stating, "This security is not a luxury. Without sufficient protection, they could succeed."

In July, the Shin Bet extended security details for the Prime Minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, and their sons Yair and Avner for five years beyond Netanyahu’s term in office. Retired Brigadier General Ronen Cohen, chair of the advisory committee on personal security, previously disclosed that an assassination attempt on a Netanyahu family member was thwarted "at the last minute," though details were initially classified.

Last month, Shin Bet chief David Zini faced criticism for reportedly conceding to Sara Netanyahu’s demand for lifelong security for herself and her sons, a stance contrary to professional recommendations. The Prime Minister himself has been granted Shin Bet protection for 20 years, until age 96. The recent escalation of Iranian threats has also targeted family members of other leaders, including a state TV broadcast in Iran threatening Donald Trump’s son Barron Trump with a $10 million bounty, a threat acknowledged and addressed by U.S. intelligence services.