Netanyahu says Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons

The military censor was surprised by Netanyahu’s disclosure because it had until now rejected attempts to publish information about the assassination plot.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons, publicly disclosing information that Israel’s military censor had previously barred from publication.

The military censor was surprised by Netanyahu’s disclosure because it had until now rejected attempts to publish information about the alleged assassination plot.

Netanyahu did not identify which of his sons, Yair Netanyahu or Avner Netanyahu, was allegedly targeted.

The disclosure comes after N12 reported last month that Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister’s wife, had pressed officials at the National Security Council and the Shin Bet to recommend extending security protection for her and her sons for five years.

Sara Netanyahu also sought to have the decision made immediately, regardless of the outcome of the elections, according to the report.

One day after N12’s report, the Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved lifetime security protection for Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, with an option for an extension.

The committee also decided that Yair and Avner Netanyahu would receive security protection for five years.

The decision regarding Netanyahu and his wife was made on the recommendation of Shin Bet Director David Zini despite opposition from professional officials.

National Security Council officials had opposed approving security arrangements for a five-year period in advance.

They acknowledged that threats currently exist, particularly during the complicated security situation created by the war with Iran, but argued that committing to five years of protection at this stage was disproportionate.

Some officials within the Shin Bet also held a similar position, according to people familiar with the matter.

Those officials favored tying security arrangements to the level of threat facing Netanyahu’s family and reassessing that threat periodically.

Under that approach, protection would be adjusted based on security assessments conducted during each period rather than guaranteed for several years in advance.

The committee nevertheless approved five years of protection for both of Netanyahu’s sons.