JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli security forces have uncovered a Palestinian terror cell from the Nablus area that allegedly planned a series of attacks, including the kidnapping of an IDF soldier and an attempt to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using an explosive drone.

Join our WhatsApp group

Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email

The Shin Bet security agency and Judea and Samaria District Police said Wednesday that the investigation led to indictments against two Palestinian residents of Shechem. The suspects allegedly worked together from late 2023 to establish a terrorist infrastructure and acquire weapons, recruit additional operatives and conduct firearms training.

According to the indictments, the two accumulated a large arsenal that included M-16 and M-4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, handguns, a shotgun and ammunition. They also discussed and planned attacks using firearms, explosive vehicles and explosive drones, as well as the kidnapping of IDF soldiers.

The alleged plot against Ben-Gvir was developed in 2024. According to the investigation, the suspects saw footage of the minister arriving at the scene of a terrorist attack and came up with a plan to lure him to another attack scene.

The plan, described as a “pull-in attack,” involved carrying out an initial attack and waiting for Ben-Gvir to arrive at the scene, where they would then attempt to assassinate him.

The suspects considered using an explosive drone to carry out the assassination. According to the indictment, one of the suspects even attempted to purchase components from China in order to assemble a drone for the planned attack.

The investigation also found that the suspects continued working on other potential attacks, including the use of explosive vehicles and drones against Israeli civilians and security forces, as well as plans to abduct soldiers.

The two suspects were arrested during the investigation and their detention was repeatedly extended. After investigators assembled the evidentiary basis, the Samaria Military Prosecution filed indictments and requested that both men remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Ben-Gvir said the newly exposed plot was the 11th attempt to assassinate him, according to his own account.

“This is already the 11th time they have tried to eliminate me, and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves me from their hands!” Ben-Gvir wrote in response to the announcement. He added that the plot would not deter him from pursuing his policies.

The minister thanked the Shin Bet, police, IDF and his security detail for protecting him.

The disclosure is the latest in a series of reported threats against Ben-Gvir, who has become a prominent target of Palestinian terrorist organizations and other opponents because of his hard-line policies as national security minister.

The case also highlights the growing use of commercially available drones and improvised explosive devices by terrorist cells. Israeli security agencies have repeatedly warned that relatively inexpensive drones can provide terrorist groups with another method of attacking people and military positions, particularly when combined with existing weapons and explosives.

In this case, however, investigators say the planned assassination and kidnapping operations were disrupted before the cell could carry them out.