Who Is Avner Netanyahu? Israeli PM Postpones Son's Wedding Amid Escalating Conflict With Iran

The wedding of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Avner Netanyahu, has reportedly been postponed due to the escalating conflict with Iran. According to The Times of Israel, Avner was scheduled to marry his partner, Amit Yardeni, on Monday.

The wedding was reportedly postponed following public backlash, as some anti-government protesters criticised the Netanyahu family for planning a celebration while Israeli hostages remain in captivity in Gaza.

Meanwhile, as the Netanyahu family prepared for grand celebrations, Israel on Friday launched a large-scale offensive against Iran, striking nuclear facilities, military sites, missile bases and senior leadership targets. In response, Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, prompting a nationwide emergency. Air raid sirens sounded across the country, forcing large parts of the population to take shelter.

Israeli police reported on Sunday that Iranian strikes had killed at least 10 people and injured around 180 others. Authorities also said that at least seven individuals remained missing and were believed to be trapped under the rubble.

In response to the Israeli assault, Tehran has suspended nuclear talks, discussions that Washington had described as the only viable path to stopping Israel's bombing campaign. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the strikes carried out so far were nothing compared to what Iran could expect in the days ahead.

"If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," Trump said in a message on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict."

Avner Netanyahu’s wedding had already sparked controversy in Israel even before the country's attack on Iran. Anti-government protesters criticised the Netanyahu family for planning a celebration while Israeli hostages remain in captivity in Gaza. In the weeks leading up to the event, several opposition groups had threatened to stage demonstrations near the wedding venue - Ronit's Farm, an upscale event hall in Kibbutz Yakum, north of Tel Aviv.

Amid heightened security concerns, Israeli police had installed iron roadblocks and barbed wire fences within a 100-meter (109-yard) radius of the wedding venue. According to The Times of Israel, authorities also announced earlier this week that airspace within a 1.5-kilometre (0.9-mile) radius would be restricted, allowing only police helicopters to operate in the area.