Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of attempting to assassinate one of his sons, making the claim during a phone call with Channel 14 military correspondent Noam Amir that was broadcast on Monday, as he called for restraint during Israel’s election campaign.Netanyahu did not specify which of his sons, Yair or Avner, was allegedly targeted, but said the threat was serious enough to prompt him to seek stronger protection for prime ministerial candidates. “Iran tried to murder one of my sons. And this is why this promise [I am making] is more than a luxury – without it, they could succeed [in killing my son.] People need to show some restraint, especially during an election campaign,” Netanyahu said.Amir asked Netanyahu whether the alleged assassination attempt was part of intelligence provided to him. Netanyahu replied: “This is an unbelievable case. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons.”Netanyahu also said he had spoken to Shin Bet chief David Zini about security arrangements for candidates. “I spoke with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief [David Zini] and asked him to provide appropriate security to any prime ministerial candidate,” he said.The remarks come after Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved extended personal protection for Netanyahu’s wife Sara and their sons, Yair and Avner, in July.However, Netanyahu did not say whether Yair or Avner was the alleged target of the Iranian assassination attempt.The prime minister’s comments come amid heightened security concerns and political tensions in Israel, with Netanyahu warning that threats against political figures require particular restraint during the election campaign.
