The Central Unit (an elite investigative branch of the Israel Police) and the Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet, announced Wednesday they thwarted a terror cell from Nablus comprising two suspects who held a vast arsenal of weapons and advanced a series of deadly attacks – including an attempt to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the kidnapping of an IDF soldier, and the execution of attacks using explosive drones and car bombs. This is not the first time a plot against Ben-Gvir, who is from the hawkish Otzma Yehudit party, is uncovered.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the IDF Military Advocate General in Samaria filed severe indictments against those involved, alongside a request to remand them until the end of legal proceedings.
Details from the indictment and the joint statement from the police and Shin Bet spokespersons reveal two Palestinian residents of Nablus operated jointly starting in late 2023 to advance "military" activity. The two got a hold of an extensive weapons arsenal that included M-16 and M-4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, handguns, a hunting rifle, and a large amount of ammunition. Simultaneously, the two recruited additional operatives, trained them through shooting drills, and discussed a variety of attack plots against civilians and security forces.
Their detention was extended periodically in court, and with the consolidation of the evidentiary foundation, indictments were filed against them by the IDF Military Advocate General in Samaria. This was alongside their remand until the end of legal proceedings.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to the Shin Bet announcement regarding the terror cell that planned to assassinate him, stating, "This is already the 11th time they are trying to assassinate me, and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves me from their hands! I have a message for all those enemies – this will not deter me and will not frighten me. I will continue to lead a harsh policy in the prisons, I will continue to lead the policy of demolishing illegal construction in the Negev (southern Israel's desert region), and I will continue to ensure the death penalty law we passed is implemented."
