Nazareth Man Arrested for Attempting to Join Hamas and Target Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

Mohammad Awad, a 29-year-old resident of Nazareth, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to join Hamas and promote terrorist activities, including planning an attack on Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security. The arrest was made during a joint operation by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Northern District's YAMAR unit.

Investigations revealed that Awad worked for a security company in Afula and had reached out to Hamas to enlist and obtain resources for terrorist purposes. Following the investigation, the Northern District Prosecutor's Office submitted an indictment declaration to the Nazareth-Nof HaGalil court. Authorities emphasized their strict stance against any Israeli citizen involved in activities threatening national security and vowed to use all available means to prosecute offenders.

In response, Minister Ben-Gvir stated this was the ninth time terror groups targeted him. He expressed gratitude to the Shin Bet, Israeli Police, Prison Service Intelligence, and other security units for preventing harm to him and his family. Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his commitment to prison reforms, demolishing illegal homes, enforcing the death penalty for terrorists, asserting Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount, and arming Israeli citizens. He declared he would not be intimidated and would continue working tirelessly for the Israeli people.