Israeli security sources say the suspect, who worked as an unarmed guard at the Afula central bus station, was arrested after attempting to join the Hamas terror organization and planning an attack on Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The suspect is an Israeli Arab from Nazareth, according to reports.
An Israeli Arab from Nazareth was arrested on suspicion of attempting to join the Hamas terror organization and planning an attack on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, according to reports and an indictment filed Tuesday. The suspect, who worked as an unarmed security guard at the Afula central bus station, was taken into custody by police and Shin Bet.
The development emerged at 13:31 Jerusalem time, when initial reports indicated that security forces had foiled an assassination plot targeting a minister. Within minutes, the target was confirmed as Minister Ben Gvir, and the suspect was identified as a 29-year-old Nazareth resident. The Shin Bet officially confirmed the arrest at 13:31, and an indictment was filed later detailing the suspect's alleged attempts to contact Hamas for resources. By 13:43, The Zioneer reported, citing Amichai Stein (i24NEWS), that the suspect was employed as an unarmed guard at the Afula bus station.
As The Zioneer reported earlier today, the suspect's access to a major public transportation hub underscored the seriousness of the plot. The arrest comes amid ongoing Israeli security operations to prevent attacks.
The suspect's identity beyond age and place of residence has not been released. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the suspect acted alone or had outside assistance. The Shin Bet has not released additional details on the plot's timeline.
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