Israeli Man Charged for Planning Attack on Former Left-Wing MK for Small Payment

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against 28-year-old Asaf Israel Aryeh from Beersheba, accusing him of conspiring to commit violent acts against former Knesset member Mossi Raz in exchange for payment. Aryeh allegedly contacted a person identifying as "Avi," a right-wing activist seeking individuals to carry out paid missions "for the salvation of the people." Initially tasked with distributing flyers, Aryeh offered to perform more serious acts, including stabbing, arson, and pepper spray attacks, negotiating prices and payment terms.

According to the indictment, Aryeh agreed to assault Mossi Raz for 8,000 shekels, either by beating or pepper spraying him, while recording the attack on video. On the planned day, Aryeh traveled from Beersheba to Lod, purchased a burner phone, armed himself with a knife and pepper spray, and left his personal phone with a friend to avoid detection. He took multiple photos and videos of Raz's home and sent them to "Avi." Aryeh later decided not to carry out the attack, citing police presence nearby.

Days later, Aryeh was asked to provide the address of former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar in exchange for additional payment. He reportedly 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 with a knife in his possession.

The indictment charges Aryeh with conspiracy to commit a crime, evidence destruction, illegal knife possession, and other offenses. The prosecution requested his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings. The investigation was conducted by the Shin Bet and the Central District Police unit.