Man Charged for Plotting Violent Attack on Former MK Musi Raz and Targeting Ex-Shin Bet Chief

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed charges on Thursday against Asaf Israel Aryeh, a 28-year-old from Beersheba, accused of agreeing to attack former Knesset member Musi Raz for payment. Aryeh allegedly armed himself with a knife and pepper spray and traveled to Raz's home. The indictment, submitted by Central District Prosecutor Orad Shalav, reveals that Aryeh contacted a man named Avi via Instagram, who claimed to be a right-wing activist recruiting paid operatives for "saving the people." Initially tasked with distributing leaflets, Aryeh offered to carry out more serious acts such as stabbing and arson, negotiating payment terms for various violent acts including stabbing, vehicle arson, and pepper spray attacks.

Aryeh agreed to assault Raz, planning to hit or spray him with pepper spray, record the attack, and receive 8,000 shekels in return. On the same day, Aryeh traveled from Beersheba to Lod, bought a burner phone, and equipped himself with pepper spray and a knife. He left his personal phone with a friend to avoid identification and arrived near Raz's residence, taking photos and videos which he sent to Avi. Aryeh later decided not to attack Raz due to police presence nearby. Days later, he was asked to provide the address of former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for payment. Aryeh received about $1,000 via a digital wallet for these tasks.

Afterward, Aryeh destroyed the burner phone and deleted Telegram conversations with Avi to erase evidence. He was arrested in Lod while carrying a knife. The indictment charges him with conspiracy to commit a crime, evidence destruction, illegal knife possession, and other offenses. The prosecution requested he remain in custody until the trial concludes. The investigation was conducted by the Shin Bet and the Central District Police Unit.