Shin Bet arrests 3 Palestinians, 2 Israeli Arabs planning to assassinate Ben-Gvir

Israel’s Shin Bet Intelligence Agency arrested three Palestinians and two Israeli Arabs who were allegedly planning to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. 

The alleged terror cell had its base in Jenin in the West Bank, and operated under the direction of an Iranian man living in Jordan. The cell recruited the two Arab Israelis in northern Israel, and also planned to kill former member of Knesset, Yehuda Glick.

The order to assassinate Ben-Gvir came from Iran, according to Shin Bet. “This affair once again illustrates Iran’s growing efforts to undermine security, social and political stability in Israel through the recruitment of Israeli and Palestinian citizens for security and criminal activities,” Shin Bet said according to Army Radio.

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar called Ben-Gvir on Tuesday to inform him about the exposure of the cell. Ben-Gvir issued a statement shortly after the arrests were made public, saying: “I thank the Shin Bet and the security forces who led to the exposure and capture of the terrorist cell that intended to assassinate me. I will continue to act fearlessly for fundamental change.”

Likud lawmaker Danny Danon applauded the Shin Bet for arresting the suspects, saying Iran “crossed a red line and will pay a heavy price.”