Israeli police and intelligence services have successfully foiled an elaborate Iranian plot to assassinate prominent figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The authorities arrested Moti Maman, a 73-year-old Israeli businessman from Ashkelon, who is accused of being involved in the scheme.

According to police reports, Maman allegedly smuggled himself into Iran twice, via Turkey, to meet with Iranian intelligence officials in Tehran. The discussions reportedly involved plans to target several high-ranking individuals, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet intelligence chief Ronen Bar, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

The alleged assassination plots were believed to be retaliatory acts by Iran following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Hanieyh in Tehran back in July, which Iran accused Israel of orchestrating. Authorities also stated that Maman had discussed acting as a money courier for potential acts in Israel, locating individuals in Europe and the U.S. for elimination, and recruiting a double agent from the Mossad.

Maman's purported contacts included an Iranian businessman known as Eddie, a man named Hajjah, presented as an Iranian intelligence agent, and other unidentified intelligence personnel. The Israeli citizen is said to have traveled to Iran twice, in May and August of 2024, after attending preparatory meetings with Eddie's representatives in Turkey.

The police and Shin Bet statement revealed that during Maman's second trip to Iran, he was hidden inside a truck cabin, successfully evading border security measures. It was noted that Maman demanded a substantial advance payment of $1 million dollars before engaging in any actions, but the Iranian agents refused his request and promised to contact him in the future.

Allegedly, Maman received approximately $558,000 in euros for attending the meetings with Iranian intelligence officials. He was indicted on September 19, and a senior Shin Bet official described the case as "very serious," warning that Iranians may continue their efforts to recruit operatives in Israel for intelligence gathering and terrorist missions.

Security assessments indicate that individuals with criminal backgrounds could be targeted by Iranian agents to carry out such tasks in Israel. This recent foiled plot highlights the ongoing threat posed by Iran and the need for heightened security measures to counteract their nefarious activities.

Israeli authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of their leaders and the country as a whole. The international community is closely following developments as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.