Israeli media is reporting that 11 men have been arrested after plotting to assassinate Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir using a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) in Kiryat Arba. The State Attorney’s Office filed indictments in the Beersheba District Court against 11 “Arab men”. The attackers also planned to destroy the government seat in Jerusalem and the Ben Gurion Airport outside of Lod. The plot also reportedly involved plans to kidnap multiple IDF servicemembers.
#Israel's security services say they have foiled several terror plots by a Palestinian and Israeli Arabs cell that had planned to kill the National Security Minister Ben Gvir and attack the government seat in Jerusalem and Ben Gurion airport pic.twitter.com/SIu2Wu1DVU
— Guy Elster (@guyelster) April 4, 2024
According to Israeli media, the attackers had contacts with Hamas and ISIS. The leader of the group was in contact with at least two Hamas members in the Gaza Strip, which one of them offered funding and support. Shin Bet informed outlet Zman that seven of the ten suspects hail from Mahrat, Lod, and Ein Iron, Israel while four others are from Jenin and Tulkram, West Bank.
The group leader, Bilal Nasasra Marhat, came up with the plot as early as 2023 and contacted Akram Amer, a resident of Tulkarm. The two then plotted to form a group of Israeli Arabs and Palestinians to carry out the attack. The group name that the two ringleaders established was “Masra al-Rasool” (“Al-Aqsa Mosque”). As they recruited the other nine which included an Islamic preacher, a chemistry student, and others, the plan began to mature separately from Hamas’ October 7th massacre. On the morning of October 7th, the group leader urged the other members not to join in the fighting, but rather be patient to attack within Israel.
These details have been reported from the Israel Security Agency to Channel 7 in Israel.