In a stunning turn of events, Israeli citizen Moti Maman has been arrested for allegedly conspiring with Iranian intelligence to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At a Glance
- Israeli police and Shin Bet arrested Moti Maman for alleged espionage and an assassination plot
- Maman is accused of targeting high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- The suspect is a businessman with ties to Iran and Turkey, reportedly smuggled into Iran twice
- Shin Bet highlights the ongoing risks from Iranian efforts to undermine Israeli security
Arrest and Allegations
In a deeply troubling case, Israeli police and Shin Bet have detained 73-year-old Moti Maman from Ashkelon. The elderly businessman, who has longstanding ties to Turkey and Iran, faces allegations of being involved in a series of assassination plots orchestrated by Iranian intelligence. According to the investigation, these plans targeted not only Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but also other high-ranking officials such as Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar.
Maman reportedly traveled to Iran on two separate occasions, where he met with Iranian operatives. His tasks included recruiting agents, transferring money and weapons, and gathering intelligence, all in preparation for potential assassination attempts. The audacious nature of this plot underscores the severe threat posed by Iran’s espionage activities aimed at destabilizing Israeli governance and security.
Involvement in Espionage and Assassination Planning
Investigations reveal that Maman was smuggled into Iran twice, where he reportedly demanded $1 million for his missions. His connections stretch from business dealings in Turkey to covert meetings with Iranian intelligence operatives. Maman also received at least €5,000 to travel illegally to Iran, illustrating the lengths to which he was willing to go. This plot also involved potential assassinations of other significant figures such as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in revenge for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
This plot is another alarming instance of Iran’s persistent attempts to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorist missions. A senior Shin Bet official remarked, “This is a very serious case that exemplifies the enormous efforts of Iranian intelligence agents to recruit Israeli citizens to promote terrorist activities in Israel.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring and multifaceted threats Israel faces from Tehran.
Israel’s Shin Bet, the country's domestic intelligence service, has disclosed info about what it calls a thwarted Iranian assassination plot against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar.https://t.co/OQPAVLC0gR
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) September 19, 2024
International Implications and Ongoing Threats
This is not the first time Israeli security agencies have thwarted assassination attempts linked to Iran. Shin Bet indicated that they recently prevented another high-profile assassination attempt by Hezbollah targeting Lt. Gen. (res.) Aviv Kochavi, former IDF chief of staff. Additionally, in September 2023, a similar plot aimed at former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park was also uncovered. These incidents point to a consistent and troubling pattern of Iranian-led operations aimed at Israeli leadership and public figures.
The Shin Bet’s proactive measures have been integral in neutralizing these threats, yet the seriousness of these cases cannot be overstated. The alarming frequency and boldness of these schemes necessitate vigilant counterintelligence efforts and robust national security strategies. As this case unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing and multifaceted challenges Israel faces from state-sponsored terrorism.
