Two Samaria Suspects Charged With Plotting Drone Assassination of Ben-Gvir

A Sophisticated Assassination Plot

According to the indictment filed following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and the Israel Police, the suspects—operating out of the Nablus area—planned to carry out a lethal strike against Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The primary method identified was the use of an explosive drone, a technology increasingly favored by terror cells for its ability to bypass traditional ground-level security cordons.

Investigators revealed that the cell intended to stage an initial security incident to draw the minister to the scene, as he frequently visits the sites of terror attacks in his official capacity. Once present, the operatives planned to launch the drone to strike him. To facilitate this, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to procure specific drone components directly from China to assemble a functional weapon.

Broad Terror Infrastructure

The investigation into the Nablus-based cell uncovered a broader infrastructure geared toward high-impact attacks. Beyond the plot against the minister, the suspects were allegedly involved in stockpiling an arsenal of weapons, including M-16 and M-4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, and pistols. The cell also conducted training for operatives and formulated plans to kidnap IDF soldiers and carry out attacks against Israeli civilians in Judea and Samaria.

As The Zioneer has reported previously, this case follows a pattern of heightened threats against senior Israeli officials. Security forces have thwarted several other assassination attempts against Ben-Gvir in recent months, including plots involving residents of Nazareth and East Jerusalem. This latest indictment underscores the persistent efforts by terror factions in Samaria to utilize dual-use technology and sophisticated luring tactics to target the Israeli political leadership.

Security Context and Outlook

The use of explosive drones represents a significant shift in the domestic security challenge. While such tools are common on the northern and southern fronts, their integration into the terror infrastructure in Judea and Samaria requires specialized countermeasures. Israeli security services continue to monitor the procurement of electronic components from abroad, particularly China, which are often repurposed for military use by local cells. The Zioneer will continue to follow official updates as the legal proceedings against the suspects move forward in the military court system.