Iran had Recruited an Israeli Jew to Assassinate Benjamin Netanyahu, Reveals Israel

In a chilling revelation, Israeli authorities announced on Thursday the arrest of a 73-year-old Jewish Israeli man, accused of being recruited by Iran to carry out an assassination plot targeting top Israeli officials. The suspect, identified as Moti Maman from Ashkelon, allegedly conspired to kill Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, or Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, according to the Shin Bet and Israeli Police.

Here is what you need to know

Maman, a businessman with long-standing ties in Turkey, was reportedly smuggled into Iran twice to meet with Iranian operatives as part of the plot. The Shin Bet revealed that Maman had connections with Turkish and Iranian nationals, making him a target for recruitment by Iran’s intelligence agencies. According to a report from the Times of Israel, the suspect’s journey into espionage began in April 2024, when he was introduced to an Iranian businessman named “Eddy” through two Turkish intermediaries, Andrey Farouk Aslan and Junayd Aslan.

Maman was lured with the pretext of business opportunities and eventually agreed to meet Iranian representatives in the Turkish city of Samandag, near the Syrian border. According to the investigation, during one such meeting, Maman and Eddy had a phone conversation after the Iranian businessman was unable to travel outside of Iran.

The situation escalated in May when Maman allegedly crossed into Iran illegally, hidden in a truck. Inside Iran, he reportedly met Eddy in person, along with another man identified as Khwaja, who claimed to be part of Iran’s security forces. During their meeting at Eddy's home, the Iranian operatives began outlining missions for Maman to carry out upon his return to Israel.

The Shin Bet’s investigation uncovered that Maman was asked to perform various tasks, including placing money or weapons in specific locations within Israel and photographing crowded public areas. He was also allegedly instructed to intimidate other Israeli civilians working for Iranian intelligence, threatening them if they failed to complete their missions.

Assassination Plot

However, the most alarming aspect of the plan was the Iranian officials’ request for Maman to "advance assassination attacks" on high-profile Israeli leaders. The targets mentioned included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar. The Iranian intelligence officers also reportedly explored the possibility of targeting former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other senior officials.

Maman returned to Israel in August after his second trip to Iran, where he was arrested shortly after. According to Israeli authorities, his arrest may have thwarted a potentially catastrophic attack on the country’s leadership.

Broader Context of the Iranian Threat

The arrest comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon. Earlier this week, Israel blamed Hezbollah for plotting the assassination of former senior defense officials, including former IDF chief Moshe Ya'alon. This follows a series of explosions that rocked Hezbollah strongholds, caused by booby-trapped electronic devices believed to be planted by Israeli intelligence.

With Hezbollah ramping up its threats, this latest case underscores Iran’s broader efforts to target Israel through unconventional warfare and proxy terror groups.

Iranian Espionage Tactics

A senior official from the Shin Bet, commenting on the gravity of the case to Times of Israel, stated, “This is a very serious affair, which is an example of the great efforts of the Iranian intelligence agencies to recruit Israeli citizens to advance terror activities in Israel.”

The case sheds light on Iran’s aggressive espionage strategy, which extends beyond Hezbollah and seeks to manipulate Israeli civilians for its nefarious activities. The internal political divisions in Israel isn't helping. 

As the investigation unfolds, Maman faces charges of collaborating with a foreign enemy, espionage, and plotting to assassinate senior Israeli officials. The case has further inflamed tensions in a region already teetering on the edge of wider conflict, and it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats Israel faces from Iranian-backed actors.

The revelations have sent shockwaves through Israeli security circles, as the country remains on high alert for further attempts to undermine its leadership and stability.