An alleged Iranian operation targeted Yair Netanyahu for assassination while he lived in South Florida, according to a US media report published Wednesday that said Israeli intelligence discovered the plan in December 2025 and warned American authorities after suspected operatives began monitoring his movements.
Newsmax reported the allegations exclusively, citing an unidentified US law-enforcement source familiar with the matter. The account has not been publicly confirmed by US authorities, Israel’s security services or the Israeli government.
The report identified Yair Netanyahu, the 35-year-old eldest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the target. He had been living in Hallandale Beach, north of Miami.
According to the source cited by Newsmax, Iranian personnel were already in the area and conducting surveillance of Netanyahu’s residence and daily routine. Israeli officials reportedly instructed him to leave Florida immediately. He returned to Israel without packing his belongings and has remained there, the report said.
Prime Minister Netanyahu disclosed Monday that Iran had targeted one of his sons but did not say whether he meant Yair or his younger son, Avner.
“This is an unbelievable case. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to murder him, tried to murder one of my sons,” Netanyahu told Israel’s Channel 14.
The prime minister raised the allegation while defending security protection for political figures and their families. He also urged the Shin Bet security agency to provide appropriate protection for anyone considered a candidate for prime minister ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election.
A ministerial committee approved extended protection for Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, and their sons in July. The arrangement has drawn scrutiny in Israel because of its cost and the unusual protection granted to adult relatives.
The allegation surfaced during the continuing US-Israel conflict with Iran, which began Feb. 28. Iranian state media have also broadcast threats against President Donald Trump’s family, including his son Barron Trump, prompting scrutiny by the US Secret Service.
No arrests, criminal charges or official investigative findings connected to the alleged Florida operation have been announced.
