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Two Palestinians Indicted for Plotting Drone Attack on Israel’s National Security Minister
By Drooid · · How we work
Indictments Detail the Planned Assassination Attempt
The Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency) and the Judea and Samaria District Police’s Counterterrorism Unit announced Wednesday that a Samaria Military Prosecution indictment accuses two Palestinians of operating a terror cell in the Nablus area. According to the indictment, the suspects began coordinating “military” activity in late 2023 and, in 2024, discussed a “drive-by” assault that would lure National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to a crime scene and then kill him. One suspect later proposed using an explosive drone for the assassination and allegedly sought drone components from China. The indictment also alleges plans to use explosive-laden vehicles, conduct shooting attacks, and kidnap an IDF soldier.
Background of the Cell’s Activities
Investigators say the cell acquired a sizable weapons cache that includes M16 and M4 rifles, Kalashnikov assault rifles, handguns, a hunting rifle, a shotgun, and ammunition. The suspects reportedly recruited additional operatives, provided firearms training, and held shooting drills while evaluating multiple attack scenarios against Israeli civilians and security forces. The indictment states that these activities continued through 2024, culminating in the plotted drone-based assassination.
Official Response from Itamar Ben-Gvir
In a post on X/Twitter, Minister Ben-Gvir described the indictment as the eleventh instance in which he had been targeted by terrorists. He wrote that the threat would not deter him, affirming his intent to maintain a “tough policy in the prisons,” continue demolishing illegal construction in the Negev, and enforce the death-penalty law his ministry passed.
Scope of the Arsenal and Planned Tactics
The indictment lists the following weapons and equipment:
- M16 and M4 assault rifles
- Kalashnikov rifles
- Handguns and a hunting rifle
- Shotgun and assorted ammunition
- Explosive-laden vehicles and drones (including attempted acquisition of drone parts from China)
These items were intended for use in shooting drills, vehicle-borne bomb attacks, and the proposed drone strike on the minister.
Potential Political Impact
Minister Ben-Gvir, who leads the Otzma Yehudit party, is scheduled to appear at a supporters’ conference in Netanya on September 1, 2026, ahead of the upcoming general elections. The indictment underscores heightened security concerns surrounding his high-profile role and may influence public debate on counter-terrorism measures and the enforcement of the death-penalty law.