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

In a chilling revelation, Israeli authorities announced on Thursday 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. 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 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 plot. Shin Bet revealed that Maman h connections with Turkish and Iranian nationals, making him a target for recruitment by Iran’s intelligence agencies. According to a report from Times of Israel, 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 pretext of business opportunities and eventually agreed to meet Iranian representatives in Turkish city of Samandag, near Syrian border. According to investigation, during one such meeting, Maman and Eddy h a phone conversation after Iranian businessman was unable to travel outside of Iran.

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 anor man identified as Khwaja, who claimed to be part of Iran’s security forces. During ir meeting at Eddy's home, Iranian operatives began outlining missions for Maman to carry out upon his return to Israel.

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 or Israeli civilians working for Iranian intelligence, threatening m if y failed to complete ir missions.

Assassination Plot

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

Broer Context of Iranian Threat

arrest comes against backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon. Earlier this week, Israel blamed Hezbollah for plotting 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 broer efforts to target Israel through unconventional warfare and proxy terror groups.

Iranian Espionage Tactics

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

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

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

revelations have sent shockwaves through Israeli security circles, as country remains on high alert for furr attempts to undermine its leership and stability.