Criminal9/23/2026

Two Charged With Plotting to Kidnap a Soldier and Assassinate Ben-Gvir

The Military Prosecution in Samaria filed indictments against two Palestinians from Nablus who are suspected of having planned, since late 2023, to carry out attacks against Israelis and security forces. The alleged plots included kidnapping Israel Defense Forces soldiers and assassinating National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using a drone carrying explosives.

Key facts

•Those involved: two Palestinians from Nablus
•Alleged joint activity: since late 2023
•Plot against Itamar Ben-Gvir: 2024
•Prosecuting authority: the Military Prosecution in Samaria
•Preventive measure: detention until the conclusion of the proceedings
•No case number or charges were specified

What Those Involved Are Accused Of

The Israel Police and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said the defendants worked together to advance “military” activity, recruited additional participants, and conducted firearms training. According to the indictment, they purchased numerous weapons, including M16, M4, and Kalashnikov rifles, as well as handguns, a hunting rifle, and ammunition.

The Alleged Attack Plots

According to the investigation, those involved discussed carrying out shootings, kidnapping Israel Defense Forces soldiers, and attacking civilians and members of the security forces using car bombs and drones. This information represents the prosecution’s account; the source does not include a judicial ruling on their guilt.

The Plot to Assassinate the Minister

According to the suspicions, in 2024 the defendants planned to target Itamar Ben-Gvir after watching a video showing the minister arriving at the scene of an attack. According to the allegation, one of them proposed carrying out a diversionary attack, waiting for the minister to arrive and assassinating him, and then using a drone carrying explosives. An attempt to obtain assistance in purchasing drone parts from China was also reported.

Procedural Status of the Case

The court extended the defendants’ detention several times. After the Israel Police’s Nationalist Crime Unit in the Judea and Samaria District, in cooperation with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), established an evidentiary basis, the Military Prosecution in Samaria filed the indictments. According to the source, those involved remain in detention until the conclusion of the proceedings; no case number, precise date of the indictments’ filing, or charges were specified.

What this means for you

The report concerns the filing of indictments, not a finding that the defendants are guilty; the court will have to issue the final ruling. For residents of Israel, the case illustrates that criminal proceedings may address not only an attack that was carried out, but also alleged preparations, the acquisition of weapons, and the recruitment and training of participants. The source does not detail the specific statutory offenses.

Find a lawyer for this topic

Case analysis based on court rulings