Israeli police arrested a citizen on Thursday, allegedly recruited by Iranian intelligence to plot the assassination of high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a joint statement from the police and Shin Bet, the Israeli intelligence service, the individual was smuggled into Iran twice and received payment for his missions.
The statement listed targets such as Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and other senior officials. This arrest follows a series of attacks in Lebanon this week. Explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah resulted in 32 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.
The arrested individual, described by police as a businessman who spent significant time in Turkey, had connections with Turkish and Iranian contacts. These contacts introduced him to an Iranian businessman named Eddie. Identified locally as a Jewish resident of Ashkelon, he first travelled to Iran in May 2024, where he met Eddie and faced difficulties leaving the country. He also met an Iranian security operative named Hajjah during this visit.
ISRAEL: Police arrested an Ashkelon businessman recruited by Iran to plot assassinations of PM Netanyahu, DM Galant, and Shin Bet chief Bar. He was smuggled into Iran and tasked to carry out the attacks. pic.twitter.com/Ua27PHBTBD
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) September 19, 2024
During his time in Iran, he was assigned various security tasks in Israel, such as transferring “money or a gun,” photographing crowded areas, and threatening other Israelis recruited by Tehran. In August, the investigation revealed he was smuggled into Iran in a truck, where he met more Iranian intelligence agents. They instructed him to carry out terrorist activities in Israel, including facilitating assassination attacks.
On Thursday, Israel bombed southern Lebanon, claiming to have thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot. This action followed explosions involving Hezbollah communication devices, escalating tensions between the two adversaries.
The sophisticated attacks on Hezbollah’s communication equipment have disrupted Lebanon and raised concerns about a potential return to all-out conflict, last seen 18 years ago. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to address the nation later on Thursday, with many anticipating insights into the group’s response.
With Israel’s defence minister declaring a “new phase” in the conflict and recent explosions linked to an Israeli strike on electronic devices, the likelihood of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah seems increasingly imminent.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Dawn reports on Israel’s arrest of a citizen suspected of aiding an Iranian plot to kill PM Netanyahu, detailing his smuggling and mission assignments in Iran. (Read more)
- National Review highlights Israel’s indictment of a Jewish man for allegedly aiding an Iranian plot to assassinate Netanyahu, emphasizing recruitment and security concerns.
This article emphasizes the serious security implications of Iranian intelligence recruiting an Israeli citizen to carry out a terrorist act, which underscores the complex and ongoing threat posed by Iran to Israel’s national security. The unique angle of the National Review piece is its focus on the internal dynamics of Israeli security, where a Jewish citizen is accused of collaborating with Iranian intelligence, thereby highlighting the dual nature of Israeli society being threatened from within and without. The key points highlighted include the recruitment tactics of Iranian intelligence, the financial demands made on the suspect, and the severe repercussions this incident has on Israel’s security landscape. (Read more)
- NDTV: An Israeli businessman suspected of being recruited by Iran to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has been arrested, highlighting ongoing intelligence tensions. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was arrested by Israeli police?
An Israeli citizen recruited by Iranian intelligence to plan assassinations.
Who were the intended targets of the assassination plot?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
What missions was the arrested Israeli citizen assigned?
Transferring money or a gun, photographing public areas, and threatening other Israelis.
Why did Israel bomb southern Lebanon?
To thwart an Iran-backed assassination plot and disrupt Hezbollah’s communications.
What has caused recent tensions between Israel and Hezbollah?
Explosions involving Hezbollah communications equipment and escalating military actions.
