An indictment filed against Sharon Knoblich, an Israeli Arab, alleges he decided to target National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after his friend was murdered in June 2025, blaming Ben Gvir for the escalation of crime in Arab society. According to N12, Knoblich contacted Hamas for resources but received no response. A search of his home uncovered a weapon sight, ammunition, maps, and information on airports, security facilities, and sensitive points, as well as an entry permit to an Iron Dome site and an IDF file on securing communities.
A second indictment this week details an alleged plot by an Israeli Arab to harm National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. On Thursday, the indictment against Sharon Knoblich was filed, alleging he decided to target Ben Gvir after his friend was murdered in June 2025, blaming the minister for the escalation of crime in Arab society. According to N12, Knoblich contacted Hamas for resources but received no response. The materials seized at his home include a weapon sight, ammunition, maps of strategic sites (airports, defense installations, sensitive points), an entry permit to an Iron Dome battery, and an IDF file on securing communities.
This development follows an earlier indictment filed Tuesday (Jul 21, 13:42 Jerusalem) against Muhammad Awad, 29, of Nazareth, who was also accused of attempting to join Hamas and planning a drone attack on Ben Gvir. That case saw the Northern District Prosecutor's Office file a statement of claim on the same day, with initial reports noting Awad worked as an unarmed security guard at the Afula central bus station. Both cases involve suspects contacting Hamas for support without receiving a response.
The Zioneer has previously reported on a series of indictments involving Israeli Arabs in security-related cases. These include a July 10 indictment against four Negev residents seeking to establish a terror group after the 2021 'Guardian of the Walls' operation, and July 2 indictments charging three Israeli Arabs with aiding the June 7 Sharon terror attacker. The pattern of radicalization via online channels, particularly after October 7, continues to emerge.
It remains unclear whether the two cases — the Nazareth suspect's attempted drone plot and the new Knoblich indictment — are connected or if they reflect separate radicalization pathways.
7 developments
- StrongBen Gvir: Ninth assassination attempt won't stop prison reform, Temple Mount sovereignty push
- StrongBen Gvir: 'I will not be deterred' after Nazareth man arrested for plotting attack on minister
- DevelopingBen Gvir says he and government colleagues will not be deterred by Supreme Court
- DevelopingBen Gvir backs police who shot suspected car-rammer at checkpoint
Source and signal
- Internal intake