Terror Cell Planned to Kidnap IDF Soldier, Assassinate Minister Ben-Gvir

The Shin Bet security agency and the Judea and Samaria District Police have exposed a terror cell operating near Nablus, leading to indictments against two Palestinians. The pair were involved in advancing terror activities, acquiring weapons, conducting shooting drills, recruiting operatives, and planning deadly attacks since late 2023.

During their investigation, authorities discovered that in 2024, the two men conceived a plan to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. After watching a video of the minister arriving at a terror attack scene, one of the operatives suggested an "attraction attack," waiting for Ben-Gvir to arrive and then assassinating him. He also proposed using an explosive drone for the assassination and attempted to procure drone parts from China for this purpose.

The indictment also details their acquisition of numerous weapons, including M-16 and M-4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, handguns, a hunting rifle, and ammunition. They were also involved in recruiting and training additional terror operatives, practicing shooting, and discussing various attack methods targeting Israeli civilians and security forces.

In addition to the assassination plot, the cell planned to carry out shooting attacks and kidnap Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. Their activities also included advancing plans for deadly attacks using explosive vehicles and drones against Israeli civilians and security forces.

The suspects' detention was repeatedly extended by the court throughout the investigation. With sufficient evidence gathered, the military prosecution in Samaria filed indictments against them and ordered their detention until the legal proceedings conclude. Police stated that they and the Shin Bet will continue to act decisively to thwart terror infrastructures and bring those involved to justice.