Nazereth Terrorist Planned Attack on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

A 29-year-old resident of Nazareth, Mohammed Awad, was arrested two days ago for attempting to assassinate Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. During interrogation, Awad revealed his motive was revenge for the murder of a friend two years ago amid escalating violence in the Arab community. He blamed Ben-Gvir for the rise in crime and claimed he independently sought assistance from Hamas, which was refused.

Awad reportedly worked as an unarmed security guard at the Afula central bus station before his arrest. This attempt is part of a series of foiled plots targeting Ben-Gvir, including a suspect from East Jerusalem arrested four months ago who planned a suicide attack, and a Hamas cell from the Hebron area that intended to use explosive drones for an assassination attempt.

In response to Awad's arrest, Ben-Gvir stated this was the ninth time terror groups targeted him. He thanked Israeli security agencies and vowed to continue reforms in prisons, demolish illegal homes, enforce the death penalty for terrorists, assert Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount, and arm all Israeli citizens. Ben-Gvir emphasized he would not be intimidated and would keep working tirelessly for the Israeli people.