The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) thwarted a Hamas terrorist cell’s plan to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using explosive drones, it said Wednesday.
The operation to prevent the assassination attempt was carried out by Israeli security forces and the IDF over the past few weeks in the Hebron area, the Shin Bet said. The suspects, who are in custody, had been receiving direction from Hamas operatives in Turkey, it said, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
“We will continue to work to thwart every attempt by Hamas to promote terrorist activity against the State of Israel and its citizens, and we will act to prosecute those involved in such activity,” the Shin Bet said.
Ben-Gvir's thanks security forces for protection
Following the Shin Bet’s announcement, Ben-Gvir said: “I thank the acting head of the Shin Bet, the investigators and fighters of the organization, the Israel Prison Service’s intelligence officers, the IDF soldiers, the Israel Police officers, and everyone working to protect my life.”
“I will not be deterred, and I will not be afraid,” he said. “Hamas has already tried to assassinate me five times and failed each time. The terrorists should know that instead of them harming me, we are going to strike them anywhere, anytime.”