Foiled scheme shows how social media surveillance and Turkish-based funding nearly enabled an unprecedented drone assassination of an Israeli Minister. Israeli security forces have revealed chilling details of a Hamas-linked cell that plotted to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir using explosive-laden drones during the Jewish holiday season. The Shin Bet and Israel Police announced the arrests earlier this week, describing the foiled attack as one of the most serious attempts against a senior Israeli official in recent years.
According to interrogations conducted by the Judea and Samaria police unit (Yamar Shai), one of the suspects moved to Turkey three years ago, where he established ties with Hamas operatives. Inspired by the war in Gaza, he conceived the idea of targeting Ben Gvir with drones carrying explosives. Hamas’ Turkish network allegedly provided the group with around $2,000, which was used to purchase two DJI drones and other materials later stored in an apartment in Hebron.
The suspects admitted they followed Ben Gvir’s movements on social media and learned he was expected to visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron during the holiday period. Their plan was to fly the drones over the site while the minister was praying. They even conducted a live test, dropping an explosive device that reportedly detonated successfully. (Ed note: Ben Gvir is the man who went up on the Temple Mount to pray during this years Passover. Now imagine that!) (Read More)
