The defense attorney for Muhammad Awad, who is accused of attempting to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir with an explosive drone or guided missile, argued in court Thursday that the defendant has complex medical issues and should receive rehabilitative treatment rather than imprisonment. Awad was arrested earlier this month after reportedly attempting to contact Hamas, according to the report.
The defense attorney for Muhammad Awad, a Nazareth resident accused of plotting to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, argued in court Thursday that the defendant has complex medical issues and should receive rehabilitative treatment rather than imprisonment. The lawyer requested that Awad be placed in a therapeutic framework, stressing the need for rehabilitation over punishment.
On Tuesday, July 21 at 13:42 Jerusalem, an indictment was filed against Awad, alleging he repeatedly attempted to contact Hamas, studied how to build an explosive drone or obtain a guided missile, and planned to kill Ben-Gvir. The indictment cited the murder of his friend and incitement in Arab media blaming the minister as motivations. At the time, Ben-Gvir stated that this was the ninth attempt on his life and that he would not be deterred.
The case, which The Zioneer previously reported, also revealed that Awad worked as an unarmed security guard at the Afula bus station, and that investigators found maps of strategic sites, an Iron Dome entry permit, and other materials at his home. The defense’s request now shifts the focus to Awad’s mental and physical condition.
It remains unclear whether the court will accept the request for alternative care or order a psychiatric evaluation. No ruling has been reported.
10 developments
- StrongBen Gvir: 'I will not be deterred' after Nazareth man arrested for plotting attack on minister
- StrongBen Gvir: Ninth assassination attempt won't stop prison reform, Temple Mount sovereignty push
- DevelopingBen Gvir gives Netanyahu ultimatum: Dismiss Attorney General as condition for government
- DevelopingBen Gvir accuses Attorney General, State Attorney of 'targeted elimination' against opponents
Source and signal
- Internal intake