The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) confirmed on Saturday night for the first time that intelligence had been received regarding a significant threat to harm Yair Netanyahu, the son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompting the unusual decision to immediately evacuate him to Israel.
In a statement, the Shin Bet said that following a situational assessment, it was decided to bring Yair Netanyahu back to Israel together with his security detail due to the severity of the threat to his life. The official confirmation comes days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his sons, but did not specify which one.
The confirmation also follows a report published in the US, according to which Israeli intelligence officials uncovered a plot by Iranian operatives as early as December to target Yair Netanyahu while he was living in the Hallandale Beach area, near Miami, Florida.
According to the report, the Iranian cell had already been operating on the ground, conducting surveillance of Netanyahu's residence and gathering information about his daily routine. As soon as the threat became clear, US authorities were notified, while Yair Netanyahu was instructed to leave the area immediately. He was quickly evacuated, leaving his personal belongings behind, and returned to Israel under heavy security.
Security officials stressed that the decision was made in light of concrete intelligence indicating a genuine danger and that the purpose of the move was to immediately remove the threat.
The revelation lends further weight to the Prime Minister's remarks earlier this week that the security arrangements surrounding members of his family are not a luxury, but a genuine security necessity.