Terror Cell Plot to Assassinate Ben-Gvir and Kidnap IDF Soldiers Thwarted

Police and Shin Bet spokespersons announced Wednesday afternoon that the Counterterrorism Unit of the Judea and Samaria District Police and the Shin Bet uncovered the activities of a terrorist cell in the Nablus area. As part of the cell's activities, two Palestinians worked to advance terrorist operations, acquire weapons, conduct shooting drills, recruit operatives, and plan deadly attacks.

According to the indictment, the two worked together from the end of 2023 to advance military activity. They acquired a large number of weapons, including M-16s, M-4s, Kalashnikovs, handguns, a hunting rifle, and ammunition. They also worked to recruit and train additional terrorist operatives, conducting shooting drills and discussing a range of attack plans targeting Israeli civilians and security forces.

Their investigation also revealed that in 2024, the two began considering an attack on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. According to the indictment, after watching a video showing the minister arriving at the scene of an attack, one of the terrorists suggested carrying out a “lure attack,” waiting for the minister to arrive at the scene and then assassinating him. He later suggested using an explosive drone for the assassination and even tried to obtain help purchasing drone parts from China for this purpose.

The investigation further found that the two were working to advance deadly attack plans involving explosive vehicles and drones targeting Israeli civilians and security forces, alongside plans for shooting attacks and the kidnapping of an IDF soldier.

The two suspects' detention was extended periodically by the court, and once the evidentiary foundation was established, the Samaria Military Prosecution filed indictments against them. They were also detained until the conclusion of legal proceedings.