Israel's Shin Bet and police arrested Muhammad Awad, a Nazareth resident, on suspicion of attempting to join Hamas and planning an attack on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The Northern District Prosecutor's Office announced its intention to file an indictment. Ben Gvir said he would not be deterred.
Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the foiled assassination plot against him, stating, "I will not be deterred." The statement came after The Zioneer reported earlier today (Tue 13:31 Jerusalem) that Muhammad Awad, 29, a Nazareth resident, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to join Hamas and planning an attack on the minister. The Northern District Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment.
At 13:31 Jerusalem, initial reports from journalist Lee Aish (i24) indicated that police and the Shin Bet had foiled an assassination plot targeting Ben Gvir. The Zioneer then published a series of updates, reporting that the suspect was a 29-year-old Nazareth resident, that he worked as an unarmed security guard at the Afula central bus station, and that an indictment was filed. The Shin Bet confirmed the arrest, and the suspect's identity was released. According to the investigation, Awad approached Hamas and requested resources to carry out the attack.
The Zioneer has previously reported on similar cases of Israeli citizens arrested for attempting to join Hamas or planning attacks. In June 2026, security forces arrested Yosef Gazawi, an 18-year-old from I'billin, on suspicion of planning an attack on a Jewish settlement. Additionally, a police complaint was filed against MK Mansour Abbas for attending a conference with Hamas and Islamic Jihad figures.
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