Israeli authorities announced on Thursday that they thwarted an Iranian-backed plot to assassinate key Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar. The suspect, identified as Moti Maman, a 73-year-old Israeli businessman, was arrested last month for allegedly being recruited by Iranian intelligence to carry out the plot.
According to Israeli police and the Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency), Maman had been approached by Iranian operatives while living in Turkey. He allegedly met twice with Iranian officials, traveling to Iran via Turkey in May and August 2024. During these meetings, Maman reportedly discussed plans to photograph sensitive sites in Israel, transfer money and weapons, and facilitate an assassination attempt on top Israeli officials. The targets included Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and Shin Bet Director Bar, as well as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
🇮🇱🇮🇷 This morning, the Israeli security service Shin Bet reported the arrest of 73-year-old Ashkelon resident Moti Maman, who was allegedly recruited by Iran to assassinate prominent Israeli government officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu @netanyahu and Defense… pic.twitter.com/SOTiLMLCVx
— Rybar Force (@rybar_force) September 19, 2024
Authorities stated that Maman requested $1 million to carry out the plan, but the Iranian operatives refused his demand. He did, however, receive over $5,000 for preliminary actions related to the plot.
The foiled assassination attempt is believed to be part of Iran’s response to the July 31 assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the killing, Iran has blamed Israeli intelligence, specifically Mossad. Israeli officials also suspect that the Iranian plot aimed to retaliate for other recent actions in the region, including Israel’s preemptive strikes on Hezbollah rocket launch sites in Lebanon.
Authorities revealed that the plotters had tasked Maman with broader missions, such as serving as a courier for funds and weapons and helping recruit others within Israel.
Maman was arrested by Israeli security forces last month, and details of the investigation were revealed after his indictment on September 19. He is accused of conspiracy to commit espionage, contact with a foreign agent, and aiding an enemy during wartime. Israeli police spokesperson Master Sgt. Dean Elsdunne highlighted the significance of the arrest, stating that it prevented a serious national security threat.
A senior Shin Bet official described the case as “very serious” and warned that Iran would likely continue efforts to recruit operatives within Israel for intelligence gathering and terrorist activities.
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