Israeli prosecutors say the suspect repeatedly attempted to contact Hamas and studied missile and drone technology online. The indictment alleges he planned to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an explosive drone or remotely guided missile, blaming him for rising violence in Arab communities.
The indictment against Muhammad Awad, a 29-year-old Nazareth resident, for plotting to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an explosive drone was filed Tuesday at the Nof HaGalil District Court, as The Zioneer reported in a bulletin at 13:16 Jerusalem today. According to the indictment, Awad repeatedly attempted to contact Hamas operatives and studied missile and drone technology online. He allegedly planned to build an explosive drone or remotely guided missile to target Ben-Gvir, blaming the minister for rising violence in Arab communities.
The story has been tracked since Tuesday, when The Zioneer first reported the suspect's arrest and the Northern District Prosecutor's Office's intent to file charges. Initial reports identified the suspect as an unarmed security guard at Afula bus station. The indictment later revealed that after his friend's murder in June 2025, Awad decided to target Ben-Gvir and attempted to join Hamas via email and Telegram. A search of his home uncovered a weapon sight, ammunition, maps of strategic sites, an entry permit to an Iron Dome battery, and an IDF mission file. The indictment names Awad as the defendant, though earlier reports on Tuesday had also cited a suspect named Sharon Knoblich in connection with similar allegations. National Security Minister Ben-Gvir stated that this was the ninth attempt on his life and thanked security forces.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the security challenges in the Arab sector and Ben-Gvir's hardline policies. The suspect's motive, according to the indictment, was revenge for his friend's murder, which he attributed to the minister's policies.
The investigation is ongoing. The indictment is based on Awad's attempts to contact Hamas, but it is unclear whether any operational response was received. The suspect remains in custody.
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