Israeli authorities allege a woman in her 70s from Tel
Aviv—identified as an anti-government activist—conspired to assassinate Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly seeking weapons and information about
his security arrangements. The suspect’s case, involving accusations of both
criminal conspiracy and planning a terrorist act, has sparked widespread media
coverage, strong political reactions, and an ongoing legal process, all under a
court-imposed gag order protecting her identity.
Israeli police and security services have arrested a
well-known anti-government activist, a woman in her 70s from Tel Aviv, on suspicion
of conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu using an
explosive device. Major news outlets report she contacted others in an alleged
attempt to acquire weapons and probe the Prime Minister’s security, leading to
her indictment for conspiracy to commit a crime and a terrorist act.
Who Is the Suspect and What Are the Allegations?
According to a report by Channel 13 News and as attributed
by Jfeed.com, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police arrested
the unnamed Tel Aviv resident—described as a prominent protest
activist—approximately two weeks ago. The woman, now under house arrest and
subject to strict conditions, is barred from approaching government
institutions, including Mr Netanyahu himself.
Police and security sources told Channel 13 and Srugim News
that the activist had been under investigation by the National Unit for Serious
and International Crime Investigations (YAHBAL) and the Shin Bet after
allegedly expressing her intent to assassinate the Prime Minister. Reports
indicate she contacted other protesters and attempted to procure a weapon,
specifically an explosive device, raising concern that the plot might have
moved beyond abstract intent. Kan 11 and multiple outlets confirm that
court orders—imposed to safeguard the legal process—prohibit publication of her
name and address.
What Did the Shin Bet and Police Uncover?
As reported by JNS.org citing Israeli Police statements, the suspect, described merely as “a woman in her 70s from Tel Aviv” because of the gag order, initiated efforts to contact fellow activists and sought information about Benjamin Netanyahu’s security detail. Police revealed,
“To advance and realize her intentions, the suspect contacted additional protest activists to obtain weapons and also inquired about the Prime Minister’s security arrangements.”
According to Kan News and police sources referenced in
these reports, her intent was not limited to verbal threats but included
concrete actions: gathering intelligence on security operations and reaching
out for explosive devices or weapons.
What Charges Will She Face?
Prosecutors are expected to file a formal indictment imminently, as confirmed by law enforcement to Ynetnews, with charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and conspiracy to carry out an act of terrorism. Ynetnews highlights that the investigation, run jointly by Shin Bet and IsraelPolice, has concluded, and case materials have been passed to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The woman’s defence attorneys—Giora Zilberstein and Guy Erenberg—issued a statement published by several outlets, saying:
“We have not yet received the indictment. We intend to request a continuance in order to review the evidence, after which we will respond to the allegations in full.”
What Does the Court say? Why is There a Gag Order?
Reporting by Euronews and other media underscores the role
of the court-imposed gag order. Investigators had requested this, and the court
agreed, forbidding the media from publishing personal details of the suspect at
the defence’s request. However, at police request, the court permitted the
release of some investigation details, aiming to balance public interest and
the accused’s legal rights.
What Was the Alleged Motive and Method?
Multiple reports, including from The Jerusalem Post and
Ynetnews, indicate the suspect is a known anti-government protester associated
with ongoing demonstrations demanding Netanyahu’s resignation, especially since
the nationwide protests during the 2023 judicial reform crisis. The plot, as
alleged by the authorities and cited by the Israeli public broadcaster KAN,
centred on the acquisition and use of an explosive device against the Prime
Minister. Additional methods, including considering a rocket-propelled grenade,
have been alluded to in official briefings, though further specific details
remain classified or under legal embargo.
How Did Politicians React to the Arrest?
As reported by Jfeed.com, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the alleged plot, stating,
“I strongly condemn the attempt to harm Prime Minister Netanyahu. The full force of the law must be applied to anyone who has tried or will try to harm him.”
This sentiment reflects both Israel’s
fraught internal political climate and the volatility surrounding such
high-profile security threats.
What Context Surrounds the Announcement?
The announcement comes amid a tense period for Netanyahu and
Israeli society at large. JNS.org provides important context: following Hamas’s
October 2023 invasion of southern Israel, large sections of the public again
began demonstrations against Netanyahu, primarily over his government’s
handling of the war and ongoing hostage situations. The climate of
polarisation—fuelled by accusations and counter-accusations on both left and
right—has created fertile ground for heated rhetoric, including threats
previously highlighted in intelligence briefings to cabinet ministers.
Past incidents are also relevant: as reported by Euronews
and Yahoo News, an Israeli citizen was previously charged with communicating
with Iranian intelligence to plot the assassination of Israeli officials
including Netanyahu, then Defence Minister Yoav Galant, and former Shin Bet
chief Ronen Bar. Additionally, there was a drone attack targeting Netanyahu’s
private residence in Caesarea in October 2024, attributed to Hezbollah. No
injuries occurred, and Netanyahu was not present at the time.
How Has Netanyahu’s Security Responded?
As detailed by JNS.org, Shin Bet’s response includes
increased security for Netanyahu and senior ministers, especially in the wake
of these alleged threats and recent attacks. Police and intelligence agencies
have urged all ministers to heighten awareness and security at public events,
reflecting the ongoing regional wars involving Israel and Iran’s network of
allied militia.
What Are the Legal Next Steps?
The prosecution case has been formally handed over to the
State Attorney’s Office, which is expected to present the indictment for
conspiracy to commit a crime as well as conspiracy to carry out a terrorist
act. The Jerusalem Post reports the investigation has reached completion, and
the woman now faces charges that, if proved, could result in significant prison
time.
The defence’s current position, as communicated by attorneys Giora Zilberstein and Guy Erenberg in statements repeated across Ynetnews, Kan News, and other outlets, is that they require access to the full list of evidence before offering any detailed response:
“We have not yet received the indictment and the evidence, and at this stage we cannot comment on the suspicions.”
Broader Implications for Israeli Society
The plot’s exposure heightens anxiety over the safety of
political figures in an era of intense polarisation and widespread protest, as
highlighted by coverage in JNS.org and Channel 13 News. Rhetoric against the
Prime Minister has reached fever pitch since early-2023, and this alleged
conspiracy underscores the vital role of Israel’s security apparatus in
preempting violent actions, regardless of political affiliation. Past incidents,
such as the aforementioned Iranian-backed plot and the drone attack on
Netanyahu’s residence, add gravity to the latest allegations.
Are There Any Previous Cases Similar to This?
Euronews, Yahoo News, and Israeli media have referenced a
similar case from 2024, where a different Israeli citizen was alleged to have
conspired—with purported Iranian backing—to assassinate Israeli officials,
including Benjamin Netanyahu. That case, too, progressed through Israel’s legal
system under tight media restrictions. In each case, courts have tried to
balance public right-to-know with the need for due process and security for
those accused.
What Has Not Been Publicly Revealed?
While media reports are abundant, all outlets cite
limitations imposed by the court order. The suspect’s identity, further details
of the conspiracy, and evidence gathered by police and Shin Bet remain sealed,
reflecting both the sensitivity of the case and the defence’s demand for
confidentiality while they prepare a legal response. Israeli law typically
shields identities in high-stakes security cases to prevent trial by media.
Israeli security forces have arrested an unnamed
anti-government activist in her seventies on grave charges relating to a
suspected plot to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The woman
faces prosecution after a multi-agency investigation uncovered her efforts to
acquire weaponry and gather intelligence on the Prime Minister’s security. All
information known to the public so far is filtered through court-approved
releases, with both authorities and defence counsel preparing for what is
likely to be a prolonged and closely watched legal process.