ISRAEL today claimed to have smashed an Iranian plot to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An Israeli civilian was arrested last month amid claims he was recruited by Iran to assassinate Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant or Shin Bet intelligence chief, Ronen Bar. 3 Moti Maman, 73, was seen smirking after Israeli authorities foiled his plot to assassinate Benjamin Netanyahu Credit: X 3 He was arrested last month but the detention was only made public today Credit: X 3 The Iranian plot targeted Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant or Shin Bet intelligence chief, Ronen Bar Credit: Getty But Shin Bet agents and police unearthed the plot and discovered alleged traitor Moti Maman, 73, had been smuggled into Iran twice to hone deadly plans.
The would-be assassin - said to have demanded £750,000 ($1 million) to carry out a hit - was indicted today and is said to be assisting Shin Bet interrogators. Investigators say the Jewish Israeli civilian was a businessman who lived for lengthy periods in Turkey , where he befriended Turkish and Iranian nationals. In April 2024, the suspect agreed - through the mediation of Turks Andrey Aslan and Junayd Aslan - to meet with a rich businessman living in Iran named only as Eddy.
more on middle-east tinderbox BOMB BLITZ Hezbollah walkie-talkies EXPLODE killing 20 as Israel marks 'new phase' of war BATTLE STATIONS Iran vows revenge for pager blitz as Israel on brink of WAR with Lebanon In May the Israeli agreed to be smuggled.