Israeli Man Charged for Plotting Physical Attack on Former MK Musi Raz and Sharing Ex-Shin Bet Chief's Address

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed charges on Thursday against Asaf Israel Aryeh, a 28-year-old from Beersheba, accusing him of conspiring to physically harm former Meretz MK Musi Raz in exchange for 8,000 shekels. Aryeh is charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, evidence destruction, possession of a knife, and other offenses. According to the indictment submitted by attorney Oread Shalav from the Central District Prosecutor's Office, Aryeh contacted a man named Avi via Instagram, who claimed to be a right-wing activist recruiting others for "saving the nation" missions.

Aryeh expressed willingness to engage in serious acts such as stabbing and arson, negotiating prices for each violent act including stabbing, vehicle arson, and pepper spray attacks. He agreed to attack former MK Raz either by beating or pepper spraying him while filming the incident, for which he would receive 8,000 shekels. Aryeh traveled from Beersheba to Lod the same day, purchased a burner phone, obtained pepper spray and a knife, and photographed Raz's home multiple times, sending the images and videos to Avi. He later informed Avi he would not physically attack Raz due to nearby police presence.

Days later, Avi requested Aryeh to provide the address of former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, again for payment. Aryeh received about $1,000 via a digital wallet for these tasks. After completing the acts, Aryeh destroyed the burner phone and deleted Telegram conversations to erase evidence. He was arrested in Lod carrying a knife.

The prosecution highlighted Aryeh's extensive criminal record, including four convictions for violent offenses, knife possession, threats, weapons carrying, shooting, and multiple drug offenses, with three lengthy prison terms served. He also committed crimes during parole and faces a separate drug-related indictment.

Former MK Musi Raz commented, "I received the prosecutor's notice charging Asaf Israel Aryeh who, for financial gain, photographed my home and vowed to harm me. I thank the Shin Bet, police, and prosecution for their actions. Violence will not deter me."