Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency and the Northern District Police arrested a 29-year-old Palestinian man from the city of Nazareth in the occupied territories of 1948, alleging that he attempted to join Hamas and planned to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

A joint statement by the Shin Bet and police regarding the arrest and interrogation said that investigators determined the suspect had “contacted Hamas” with the aim of joining its ranks and obtaining resources to support and carry out what they described as a terrorist act.

The statement added that the suspect allegedly planned to carry out an attack targeting a government minister.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Northern District prosecution submitted a prosecutor’s statement to the Nazareth court on Tuesday morning, paving the way for the filing of an indictment against the suspect.

The Shin Bet and Israeli police said they “view with extreme seriousness any involvement of Israeli citizens in activities that harm the security of the state and its citizens,” adding that they would continue using all available means to bring those involved in such activities to justice.

Ben-Gvir commented on the arrest, saying: “This is the ninth time that terrorist organizations have targeted me and attempted to harm me. I thank the Shin Bet, Israel Police, the Prison Service intelligence, the Magen unit, and above all, I thank God who prevents terrorists from harming me and my family.”

He added: “I will continue implementing the prison reforms, demolishing illegal homes, applying the death penalty law for terrorists, ensuring that we are the sovereigns on the Temple Mount, opening armed local emergency teams, and arming all citizens of Israel.”

Ben-Gvir said: “You will not frighten me and I will not retreat. I will continue working around the clock for the people of Israel.”

In September 2025, the Shin Bet announced that it had foiled what it described as a “Hamas cell,” alleging that it had planned to assassinate Ben-Gvir using explosive drones.

At the time, the Shin Bet said that around two months earlier, the minister’s guards had noticed drones flying over his home, prompting his evacuation along with his family members.

Following an investigation, the agency said the drones were carrying explosive materials, and four people were arrested who were alleged by Israeli security authorities to be members of the cell.