By Pesach Benson • September 23, 2026
Jerusalem, 23 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities indicted two Palestinians from Shechem (Nablus) accused of operating a terror cell that plotted to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the case was cleared for publication on Wednesday.
According to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police, the suspects allegedly began working together in late 2023 to advance what they described as “military” activities. Investigators said they acquired M-16 and M-4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, handguns, a shotgun and ammunition, while conducting live-fire training and discussing attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces.
Otzma Yehudit Chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks at a campaign event in Tel Aviv on Sept. 4, 2026. Photo by Gideon Markowicz/TPS-IL
According to the indictment, the suspects developed a plan in 2024 to assassinate Ben-Gvir after watching a video of him arriving at the scene of a terror attack. One suspect allegedly proposed a “lure attack,” in which the Minister would be targeted after arriving at an attack site. He later suggested using a drone carrying explosives and attempted to obtain drone components from China, according to the indictment.
Investigators also alleged that the suspects planned attacks involving vehicles and drones carrying explosives, shooting attacks and the abduction of Israeli soldiers.
Ben-Gvir described the case as the 11th assassination attempt against him, saying, “the Holy One, Blessed be He, saves me from their hands!”
“This will neither deter nor frighten me,” Ben-Gvir said, adding that he would continue his policies on prisons, illegal construction in the Negev and the death penalty.
