Report: Yair Netanyahu was the target of an Iranian assassination plot and was forced to return to Israel immediately

The assassination plot that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed earlier this week was directed against his eldest son, Yair Netanyahu, reported the Newsmax network citing an American source.

According to the report, Israeli intelligence discovered last December a plot by Iranian proxies to eliminate the 35-year-old Netanyahu Jr. while he was living in Hallandale Beach near Miami. The details indicate that an Iranian cell was already in the Miami area and had been conducting surveillance on Yair Netanyahu's residence and daily routine. Upon discovery of the threat, an urgent report was passed to US authorities, and Netanyahu Jr. — who is accompanied by close Israeli security — was ordered to leave the location immediately. He was forced to leave his belongings behind and returned urgently to Israel, where he currently resides.

Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed this week that Iran had attempted to murder one of his children, but refused to specify whether it was Yair or Avner. Netanyahu used the discovery of the plot to defend the extensive security arrangements around his family:

"This security is not a luxury. Without sufficient protection, they might succeed."

Last July, the Shin Bet extended direct security for the Prime Minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, and his sons Yair and Avner, who are expected to receive security for five years even after their father's term ends.

Recently, Iran has intensified its threats, directing them against the family members of leaders. Iranian state television broadcast a video this week targeting US President Donald Trump's son, 20-year-old Barron Trump, under the title "Where and how should Barron Trump be killed?", while claiming that a $10 million bounty had been placed on him. The US Secret Service confirmed that it is aware of the video and is handling threats of this nature.