Israel Arrests Five Palestinians in Alleged Iranian Plot
Israel’s internal security agency, the Shin Bet, has announced the arrest of five Palestinians involved in a plot allegedly orchestrated by Iran. The plan involved targeting and spying on senior Israeli politicians, including Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and American-born far-right Israeli activist Yehuda Glick.
According to the Shin Bet, an Iranian security official residing in Jordan recruited three Palestinian men from the Israeli-occupied West Bank and two Palestinian citizens of Israel to gather intelligence on high-profile Israeli politicians. The targets included Ben-Gvir, known for his hard-line policies against Palestinians, and Glick, a leader in the campaign for increased Jewish access and prayer rights at the sacred Jerusalem compound.
Israeli intelligence officials foiled the plot, although the Shin Bet did not provide evidence to support their claim. Iran’s mission to the United Nations has yet to respond to the allegations.
Ben-Gvir, who draws inspiration from a racist rabbi, has been widely criticized for his anti-Arab rhetoric and provocative visits to the Temple Mount, a site revered by both Jews and Muslims. Glick, on the other hand, survived a Palestinian assassination attempt in 2014 and advocates for increased Jewish presence at the compound.
The Shin Bet did not disclose the identity of the Iranian official in Jordan responsible for orchestrating the plot. However, they charged three Palestinian men in the West Bank—Murad Kamamaja, Hassan Mujarimah, and Ziad Shanti—with gathering intelligence and smuggling weapons into Israel. Additionally, two Palestinian citizens of Israel were charged for their involvement in the plot.
Ben-Gvir expressed gratitude towards Israeli security forces for uncovering and capturing what he referred to as a “terrorist squad.” He also pledged to intensify his hard-line policies in response to the revelations.
Israel has long considered Iran its greatest enemy since the country became a Shiite theocracy during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran supports Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, which Israel views as its most significant military threat, as well as Palestinian Islamist militant groups in the Gaza Strip.
The arrest of the five Palestinians highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. The alleged plot serves as a reminder of Iran’s willingness to use proxies to target Israeli interests and its ongoing support for anti-Israeli groups in the region.
The Temple Mount, where the plot was intended to take place, remains a highly contentious site at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jews consider it the holiest site in Judaism, housing ancient biblical Temples, while Muslims revere it as the Noble Sanctuary, home to the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. Since Israel captured the site in 1967, Jews have been permitted to visit but not pray there.
The arrest of the Palestinians involved in the alleged Iranian plot underscores the importance of Israeli intelligence efforts in countering threats to national security. The Shin Bet’s success in foiling the plan demonstrates their commitment to protecting Israeli politicians and preventing potential acts of violence.
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, it is crucial for Israeli security forces to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to counter any threats posed by Iran or its proxies. The arrest of these individuals serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Israel in maintaining its security and stability in a volatile region.