Israeli security services have arrested a 73-year-old Israeli citizen, Moti Maman, for allegedly being involved in a plot orchestrated by Iranian intelligence to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
Maman, a businessman from Ashkelon, was reportedly recruited by Iranian agents during two secret visits to Iran in 2024. The trips were arranged through Turkish intermediaries, who facilitated his meetings with Iranian intelligence officials. The plot was part of a broader Iranian effort to target Israeli leaders in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, which Iran blames on Israel.
During the meetings, Maman was tasked with several missions, including placing money and weapons in specific locations in Israel, gathering intelligence by photographing public places, and threatening Israeli citizens working for Iran who had failed to complete their assignments. Most notably, he was asked to assassinate top Israeli figures, including Netanyahu and other public officials.
Maman initially demanded a $1 million advance for these operations but was only given €5,000. Despite his cooperation with Iranian intelligence, he later expressed regret, telling investigators, “It’s good you arrested me; I don’t know where this could have gone.”
The Shin Bet described the case as a serious threat to national security, highlighting Iran’s ongoing attempts to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorist activities. Authorities believe this incident is part of a broader Iranian strategy to destabilize Israel by targeting its leadership.
Maman is currently cooperating with investigators, and his actions have been described as a “severe security breach” by officials. The arrest comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, as both countries remain locked in a regional power struggle, with escalating conflicts across multiple fronts.
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