Shin Bet and Police Foil Plot to Assassinate Minister Ben-Gvir Via Drone

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and police announced Tuesday the thwarting of a terror cell from Nablus (Shechem) that allegedly planned a series of attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces, including the kidnapping of an IDF soldier and an assassination attempt on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an explosive-laden drone. According to the indictment, the two suspects operated together since late 2023 to advance "military" activities. They reportedly acquired numerous weapons, including M-16, M-4, and Kalashnikov rifles, pistols, a hunting rifle, and ammunition.

The indictment further claims the suspects sought to recruit and train additional operatives, conducted shooting drills, and discussed various attack methods targeting civilians and security forces. In 2024, they began considering an attack on Ben-Gvir. After observing a video of the minister arriving at a terror attack site, one suspect proposed a "lure attack," waiting for Ben-Gvir's arrival to carry out the assassination. Subsequently, the possibility of using an explosive drone for the assassination emerged, with one suspect attempting to procure drone parts from China.

The indictment also details plans for car bomb and explosive drone attacks against civilians and security forces, alongside planned shooting attacks and the kidnapping of IDF soldiers. Following the gathering of evidence by the special operations unit of the Judea and Samaria Police and the Shin Bet, the military prosecution in Samaria filed indictments against the two individuals. They have been arrested pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.