Shin Bet says it foiled plot by Palestinians, Arab Israelis to carry out attacks, including killing Ben Gvir

The Shin Bet security agency says it has foiled plans by a cell of Palestinians and Arab Israelis who worked to carry out terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank, including against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Seven Arab Israelis and four West Bank Palestinians were arrested over the plot.

According to the Shin Bet, the cell planned attacks against IDF bases and other sensitive sites, including Ben Gurion Airport and the government complex in Jerusalem.

The cell also planned to carry out an attack in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba. “Within this framework, there was even an intention to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, by obtaining an RPG missile in order to carry out the attack,” the Shin Bet says.

The agency says the cell also sought to kidnap IDF soldiers.

According to the Shin Bet, the cell planned to rent a plot of land in southern Israel’s Rahat or an area in the West Bank to establish a factory with an underground complex where they would manufacture weapons and train.

The agency says the cell members worked to contact Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip to receive funding and instructions. At least one of the Palestinian detainees was in contact with a Hamas operative in Gaza, who offered funding for attacks in Israel, the Shin Bet says.

The Arab Israeli suspects are named as Bilal Nassara, the head of the cell, from Rahat; Wissam Siwati, from Rahat; Hamza Ghaith, from Rahat; Saud Abu Laban, from Rahat; Sameh al-Obra, from Rahat; Yousef Abu Hawli, from Lod; and Fahmi Kathani, from Ma’ale Iron.

The Palestinian suspects are named as Akram Ammer, responsible for recruitment, from Tulkarem; Muhammad Sabheh, from Tulkarem; Ahmed Atiq, from Jenin; and Ahmed Saleh, from Jenin.

Indictments were filed today at the Beersheba District Court against 10 of the suspects.