Hamas Cell Planned to Assassinate Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir With Drone

Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency announced Wednesday the dismantling of a terrorist cell from Nablus that was planning multiple attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces. While the official statement did not specify the suspects' affiliation, a security source confirmed to i24NEWS correspondent Matthias Inbar that the two men were affiliated with Hamas.

According to the indictment, the suspects had been engaged in activities to establish an armed infrastructure since late 2023. They allegedly amassed a significant arsenal, including M16, M4, and Kalashnikov rifles, pistols, a shotgun, and ammunition. The two men also reportedly recruited and trained other members, organized shooting drills, and studied various attack scenarios.

Their plans included attacks using explosive-laden vehicles or drones, shootings, and the kidnapping of an IDF soldier. The investigation revealed that since 2024, they had been planning to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. After watching a video of the minister arriving at an attack site, one suspect allegedly proposed carrying out an initial attack to lure Ben-Gvir to the location, and then kill him.

The cell members then reportedly considered using a booby-trapped drone for the assassination, with one suspect even attempting to procure components from China to build the device. Following the investigation by police and the Shin Bet, the military prosecution in Samaria filed indictments against the two suspects and requested their continued detention until the end of legal proceedings.