Israel foils Hamas plot to assassinate national security minister

“The investigation revealed that the suspects purchased several drones, loaded them with explosives, and intended to carry out the attack,” the Shin Bet said.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Israeli security services foiled a Hamas plot to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using explosive-laden drones, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) announced on Wednesday.

The attempted attack occurred approximately two months ago when drones were spotted hovering over Ben-Gvir’s residence in Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, prompting his security detail to evacuate him and his family to a secure location.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the drones were equipped with explosives, and four members of a Hebron-based Hamas cell were arrested in connection with the plot.

“The investigation revealed that the suspects purchased several drones, loaded them with explosives, and intended to carry out the attack,” the Shin Bet said.

“The drones were seized during the arrests, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The agency added that it “will continue to act to thwart any attempt by Hamas elements to promote terrorist activity against the State of Israel and its citizens, and will work to bring to justice those involved in such activity.”

Following the announcement, Ben-Gvir expressed his gratitude to the security forces involved in preventing the attack.

“I am grateful to the deputy head of the Shin Bet, to the organization’s investigators and fighters, to the IPS [Israeli Prison Service] intelligence, to the members of the Magen unit, to the IDF soldiers, to the Israel Police officers, and to everyone who is working to protect my life. I will not be deterred or afraid!” he said.

The Magen Unit a unit within the Shin Bet tasked with protecting high-profile individuals.

Ben-Gvir noted that Hamas has previously attempted to target him, saying, “Hamas has already tried to eliminate me five times, and each time they failed. This time too—praise be to God, and thanks to the efforts of the security forces.”

He emphasized his commitment to a hardline policy against terrorism, declaring, “I will continue to lead a tough policy in Israeli prisons against terrorism, to demand a complete victory in Gaza and the erasure of Hamas from the map. The terrorists need to know: instead of them harming me, we will harm them, anywhere and at any time.”