Israel Evacuates Yair Netanyahu After Iranian Assassination Plot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, an event he described as an "unbelievable case." Subsequent reports and confirmation from the Shin Bet identified the target as 35-year-old Yair Netanyahu, who had been living in Miami, Florida, since 2023.

Israeli intelligence discovered the plot in December 2025, finding that Iranian operatives were conducting surveillance on Yair's residence and movements. The Shin Bet executed an emergency extraction to return Yair to Israel, an operation that required redeploying security agents from President Isaac Herzog's detail in New York to Miami. Yair reportedly fled in such haste that he left his personal belongings behind.

Netanyahu disclosed the attempt during a Channel 14 interview, arguing that extensive security for his family is "not a luxury." He used the incident to demand increased protection for all prime ministerial candidates ahead of the October 27 general election, following reports that the Shin Bet declined security for rival candidate Gadi Eisenkot.

The plot follows extreme tensions after a joint U.S.-Israeli strike in February 2026 killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since pledged to "avenge the blood" of his father. While Yair Netanyahu has filed a formal complaint alleging a terrorist squad reached his front door, the government of Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the plot.