The Media Line: Netanyahu Reveals Censored Iranian Plot To Assassinate His Son

Netanyahu Reveals Censored Iranian Plot To Assassinate His Son

By The Media Line Staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons, revealing an alleged plot that Israel’s military censor had previously prohibited media outlets from reporting.

Netanyahu did not say whether the alleged Iranian attempt targeted Yair Netanyahu or Avner Netanyahu.

The military censor was caught off guard by the prime minister’s statement after previously rejecting requests to publish details about the alleged assassination attempt.

Netanyahu’s disclosure follows an N12 report last month about efforts by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, to secure extended government protection for herself and the couple’s sons.

N12 reported that Sara Netanyahu pressed officials at the National Security Council and the Shin Bet to recommend providing security for her and her sons for five years. She sought a decision before the elections and regardless of their outcome.

A day after the N12 report, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs authorized lifetime protection for the prime minister and Sara Netanyahu, with an option to extend the arrangement. The committee separately approved five years of security for Yair
and Avner Netanyahu.

Shin Bet Director David Zini recommended the security arrangements for Netanyahu and his wife despite opposition from professional officials.

Officials at the National Security Council argued against committing in advance to five years of protection. While recognizing existing threats, particularly during the complex security situation surrounding the war with Iran, they considered a five-year commitment
disproportionate.

Some Shin Bet officials shared concerns about setting a fixed period for the security arrangements, according to people familiar with the issue.

They instead favored regularly reviewing the threat level facing Netanyahu’s family and determining the appropriate protection based on the security assessment at the time.

Despite those objections, the Ministerial Committee approved five years of protection for both Yair and Avner Netanyahu.

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