Two Palestinians Charged with Plotting to Kidnap Soldier, Assassinate Minister Ben-Gvir

Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency announced Wednesday the indictment of two Palestinians from Nablus who allegedly planned a series of attacks, including kidnapping a soldier and assassinating National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an explosive-laden drone. The two men, active since late 2023, reportedly acquired numerous weapons, including M-16 and M-4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, pistols, a hunting rifle, and ammunition. They also allegedly recruited and trained other operatives, practicing shooting and discussing various attack plans targeting Israeli civilians and security forces.

According to the indictment, in 2024, the suspects conceived a plan to target Ben-Gvir. After watching a video of the minister arriving at a terror attack scene, one of the men suggested ambushing him there. The plan evolved to include using an explosive-laden drone for the assassination, with one suspect attempting to procure drone parts from China for this purpose. The indictment also details their involvement in planning other deadly attacks using explosive vehicles and drones against Israelis and security forces, alongside plans for shooting attacks and abducting IDF soldiers.

The arrests were made following an investigation by the counter-terrorism unit of the Judea and Samaria District Police and the Shin Bet. The suspects' detention was repeatedly extended by the court. The military prosecution in Samaria filed the indictments and is seeking their detention until the legal proceedings conclude.

Minister Ben-Gvir responded to the indictment, stating this was the eleventh attempt on his life and that he would not be deterred. He vowed to continue his policies regarding prison management and the demolition of illegal construction in the Negev, and to implement the death penalty law. "They fear and tremble at the thought that I will be the Minister of Defense, because they know well: with me there are no compromises and no discounts. What I say, I do," Ben-Gvir stated, adding that he had recently visited prisoners who had tried to assassinate him and saw them "trembling with fear."