Kathmandu— Benjamin Netanyahu’s eldest son, Yair Netanyahu, has been returned to Israel from the United States following what Israeli domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet described as a credible threat against him. The evacuation of Yair Netanyahu, a right-wing activist and podcaster who had been residing in Florida for several years, was carried out urgently with his security detail after an assessment of the risk. While the source of the threat remains undisclosed, reports suggest a potential Iranian assassination plot dating back to December.

Alleged Iranian Plot

US broadcaster Newsmax reported earlier this week that Yair Netanyahu had been targeted in an alleged Iranian assassination attempt last December while living in Florida. According to the report, Israeli intelligence informed US authorities upon learning of the potential plot, citing a US law enforcement official. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated on Israel’s Channel 14 that “Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill, to murder one of my sons.”

Sudden Departure and Security Concerns

Yair Netanyahu was reportedly under constant protection from an Israeli security team during his time in the US. Following the identification of the threat, he received orders to leave Florida immediately, departing without personal belongings and returning directly to Israel. The Times of Israel reported that his residency in the United States after the October 7th attacks drew criticism from Israelis who questioned why he remained abroad while hundreds of thousands of reservists were mobilized.

Public Scrutiny of Lifestyle

Yair Netanyahu’s lifestyle in Florida, described as “reportedly luxurious,” and the state-funded security provided to him have previously attracted public attention and criticism within Israel. He is an active social media user known for his commentary on Israeli politics and frequent attacks on political opponents, government critics, and journalists.

The Shin Bet has not released further details regarding the nature of the threat or ongoing investigations. The incident underscores heightened security concerns surrounding the Netanyahu family.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.