Palestinian Pair Accused of Plotting Ben Gvir Assassination and Soldier Abduction

Israeli military prosecutors have charged two Palestinians from the Nablus area of the northern West Bank with allegedly planning “a series of terror attacks” targeting Israeli civilians and security personnel. According to a joint statement from police and the Shin Bet, the alleged plans included abducting soldiers and assassinating National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

The two suspects allegedly began “advancing ‘military’ activity” toward the end of 2023. Investigators say their activities included recruiting additional operatives, conducting shooting practice, discussing potential attacks and acquiring assault rifles and ammunition.

According to the statement, the suspects decided in 2024 that they wanted to kill Ben Gvir.

Investigators allege that after the suspects watched video footage showing Ben Gvir arriving at the location of a terror attack, one of them proposed carrying out a separate attack designed to draw the minister to the scene, where they could attempt to assassinate him.

The same suspect later “suggested using an explosive drone for the assassination, and even tried buying drone parts from China” to that end, the statement says.

At the same time, the suspects allegedly discussed additional attacks involving car bombs and drones against Israeli civilians and soldiers. Authorities also accuse them of planning mass shootings and the kidnapping of a soldier.

Authorities did not release the identities of the suspects or say when they were arrested. According to the statement, their detention was repeatedly extended while the investigation proceeded, and both remain in custody pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings.

Ben Gvir said in a separate statement that the alleged assassination plan described in the indictment represents the 11th plot against him.