Nazareth Man Charged for Plotting Explosive Drone Attack on Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

A resident of Nazareth, Muhammad Awad, has been indicted for planning an attack on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an explosive drone or a remote-controlled missile. The indictment, filed on Thursday, states that Awad sought to avenge the murder of his friend, Tawfiq Abu Lashin, who was shot dead in Nazareth a year ago. Awad blamed Ben-Gvir for escalating violence and crime in the Arab community and targeting Muslims in Israel, motivating his plan to harm the minister and force him to resign.

The investigation, conducted by the Shin Bet and the Northern District Police, revealed that in March 2026 Awad contacted Hamas seeking resources to advance his plot but received no response. Over the past two years, Awad studied missile technology and explosive mechanisms through online videos, including how ballistic missiles operate and how to build explosive devices. He also used browsing history concealment techniques to hide his research.

Aware that Ben-Gvir resides near Hebron, Awad designed models for an explosive drone and a guided missile with remote detonation capabilities. Although he eventually abandoned building the models due to lack of resources, he continued to gather information online. Awad is represented by public defender Nizar Abud, who emphasized Awad's complex medical conditions and argued for prioritizing rehabilitative treatment over incarceration.