An Israeli citizen has been arrested for allegedly accepting money from Iran to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Israeli authorities who discovered the hidden secret.
The plot, orchestrated by Tehran, was reportedly part of a broader plan to target senior Israeli officials following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh that occurred in July 2024.
Other prominent targets included former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and the rest, with reasons why not fully disclosed.
Israeli intelligence revealed that Iran allegedly used Turkish intermediaries to connect with the Israeli businessman, who was offered $1 million for the task of betraying his own country for his personal gain.
Read Also: Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Sheltering Displaced People Kills 18, Including UN Staff
Reports indicate that the businessman accepted an initial payment of 5,000 euros and traveled to Iran for training on how to accomplish the mission.
He was instructed to gather intelligence on Israeli sites and pressure other Israeli citizens who were also being recruited by Iran for spying activities.
Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, stressed that while this particular plot was foiled, the threat to Israel’s security remains.
“Foiling one plot does not end the overarching threats facing Israel,” the agency stated.
The businessman was indicted on Thursday as investigations continue.
Iran vowed revenge following Haniyeh’s death in a Tehran airstrike.