Israeli prosecutors have charged a 73-year-old man with collaborating with Iranian intelligence to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At a Glance
- An elderly Israeli man, Moti Maman, was accused of plotting with Iran to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top government leaders.
- Maman was smuggled twice into Iran to discuss the assassination plans and perform various missions for Iranian intelligence.
- He demanded a $1 million advance but received only €5,000.
- Plots targetting other high-ranking officials like Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were also discussed.
The Alleged Plot
Israeli authorities have indicted Moti Maman, a 73-year-old businessman, for alleged involvement in an Iranian intelligence plot to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Maman reportedly met with Iranian officials during two clandestine trips to Iran, with the aim of planning high-profile killings. According to Shin Bet, the security agency overseeing the case, Maman was smuggled into Iran in a truck for these discussions.
Maman purportedly demanded $1 million for his services but received only €5,000. The accused attended meetings with Iranian agents, who tasked him with multiple assignments, including the transportation of money and weapons, photographing public places, and delivering threats to Israeli citizens. Maman’s lawyer described his actions as a significant error in judgment and stated that he is now cooperating with Israeli intelligence.
Mission and Motive
During his meetings in Iran, Maman was reportedly instructed to execute a list of tasks likely aimed to destabilize Israeli security. The Iranian agents asked Maman to undertake several missions on Israeli soil, which included transferring money or firearms, taking photos of crowded areas, and menacing other Israeli citizens. These covert operations were part of broader espionage and terror agendas orchestrated by Iran.
On his second visit to Iran, Maman was again smuggled into the country and was explicitly involved in planning assassination plots against prominent Israeli leaders. Officials named additional targets such as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar as potential victims in this orchestrated plan by Iranian intelligence.
Ongoing Conflicts and Retaliations
Israeli intelligence agencies intercepted the assassination plot shortly after its formation, marking a crucial victory in its ongoing conflict with Iranian-backed terrorist groups. The Shin Bet revealed this plot amid escalating tensions and ongoing attacks between Israeli forces and terror groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. This plot is considered a punitive response to Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which occurred during an airstrike in Tehran.
This incident comes shortly after Israel declared a “new phase of war” following violent exchanges along the Lebanon-Israel border, attributed to Iran-backed groups. The plot was discovered in tandem with an intensifying conflict with various militias and terror groups funded by Iran, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Experts highlight the persistent danger posed by Iranian efforts to infiltrate Israeli society through such terror and espionage schemes.
Legal and Security Implications
Maman’s lawyer, Eyal Besserglick, clarified that Maman regrets his actions and is now cooperating with Israeli authorities. Besserglick emphasized Maman’s prior military service and his children’s active roles in Israeli defense forces as evidence of his allegiance to the state. “It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the State of Israel,” Besserglick noted.
Officials continue to underscore the gravity of this case, which exposes the extensive reach and continuous efforts of Iranian intelligence to sow chaos within Israel. As investigations proceed, Israel remains vigilant against internal and external threats posed by its adversaries, reaffirming its commitment to national security.
Global Reactions
The international community has reacted with concern over these developments, calling attention to Iran’s aggressive strategies against Israel. This incident has once again highlighted the intricate and dangerous web of espionage and counter-espionage that defines Middle Eastern geopolitics.
As Israel’s engagements with Iran-backed outfits continue, the nation remains resilient, securing its territories and protecting its people from emerging threats.