Accusation Without Proof: Netanyahu’s Sentimental Campaign Narrative

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons, without offering a date, place, or specifying which of them was the target.

The revelation came amid a full electoral campaign, while he requests extended protection for his family for the next five years, at a time when the International Criminal Court (ICC) maintains an active arrest warrant against him for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

«Something incredible happened: Iran set its sights on one of my sons,» he stated in an interview with Israeli Channel 14, without presenting any evidence or details about the alleged plot. It was also not clarified whether the target was Avner, a resident of Israel, or Yair, known for his far-right positions and his prolonged stay in Miami.

Journalist Amit Segal noted that the alleged attempt had been known to the security establishment for months but under a military censorship order.

«That is why security for them is not a luxury,» Netanyahu concluded, just as Shin Bet approved in July extended protection for five years for his wife and children, in addition to lifelong protection for himself.

This victimhood narrative contrasts with the fact that an independent UN commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza and that Netanyahu has incited these acts, citing as evidence the magnitude of the massacres, the blockade of humanitarian aid, and forced displacements.

While the prime minister demands personal security, the ICC arrest warrants point to him for «intentionally depriving the civilian population of Gaza of food, water, medicine, and electricity.» Turkey has requested his international arrest for genocide and crimes against humanity, and at least 125 ICC member countries are obliged to detain him if he sets foot on their territory.

The strategy appeals to sentimentality to divert attention from his crimes but evades all responsibility to demonstrate what he presents as a real threat.