Yair Netanyahu targeted in alleged Iranian assassination plot in Miami – report

The son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Netanyahu (35), was targeted in an alleged Iranian assassination plot in Miami, Florida, late last year, according to a report by U.S. media outlet Newsmax published on Tuesday.

Citing U.S. law-enforcement sources, Newsmax reported that Iranian agents had been monitoring Yair's residence and movements and were close to carrying out an attack when the plot was uncovered. He was subsequently returned to Israel and has remained there since.

The report followed an interview that Prime Minister Netanyahu gave to Channel 14 military correspondent Noam Amir, broadcast Monday evening, in which the prime minister said Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons.

"This is an unbelievable case. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons," the prime minister said on Monday during an interview on Channel 14, without identifying which of his sons was targeted. Netanyahu said the incident was among the reasons he had requested additional security measures for his wife, Sara, and their adult sons, Yair and Avner (31), saying the possibility of an assassination attempt was more than theoretical.

The interview came after the Knesset Ministerial Committee for Israeli security approved extended personal protection for Netanyahu's immediate family members.

Israel is heading toward national elections on Oct. 27, with security concerns surrounding political candidates and public figures adding to an already tense campaign.