Iran planned assassination plot against Netanyahu family member

Iran allegedly targeted Yair Netanyahu, the elder son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for an assassination plot in late 2025 while he was residing in Florida, USA. Following a warning from Israeli intelligence services about a concrete Iranian plan, the Prime Minister immediately ordered his son's return to Israel.

Upon his return to Israel after nearly three years abroad, Yair Netanyahu was reportedly difficult to recognize, having undergone cosmetic procedures including Botox injections and plastic surgery. He has also adopted a new name, Yonathan Hun, in tribute to his uncle and national hero who died in 1976 during a hostage rescue mission in Uganda.

Iranian agents had reportedly been spying on Yair Netanyahu's surroundings and habits in Miami. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had publicly disclosed the assassination plot against one of his sons in a television interview, breaking military censorship. This disclosure came in response to accusations that his political rivals were not receiving adequate security protection, particularly with parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27.

Yair Netanyahu is described as the "black sheep" of the family, known for his controversial activism and a history of scandals. He gained public attention at age 26 through a leaked audio recording where he was heard asking a billionaire's son for money for a prostitute, referencing a lucrative offshore gas deal secured by his father. He has been an active and often strident political commentator through his podcast and social media, even receiving a temporary ban from Facebook. He has also made inflammatory accusations against those investigating his father's corruption trial and used antisemitic caricatures to defame political opponents.