Police arrest Nazareth man for planning Hamas - linked plot to attack Itamar Ben - Gvir

What Happened

Shin Bet and Israel Police arrested Muhammad Awad, a 29-year-old Israeli citizen from Nazareth, on suspicion of promoting terrorist activity and planning to harm National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, authorities announced on Tuesday. The investigation revealed that Awad had contacted Hamas with the aim of joining the group and obtaining resources to carry out an attack against Ben-Gvir. The Northern District Attorney’s Office submitted a prosecutor’s declaration to the Nof HaGalil Nazareth Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday ahead of filing an indictment. Shin Bet and police stated they view any involvement by Israeli citizens in such activity with utmost severity. Itamar Ben-Gvir responded by thanking the security services, claiming this was the ninth attempt by terrorist organizations to target him. He vowed to continue his policies, including prison reform, demolishing illegal homes, implementing the death penalty for terrorists, and expanding Jewish access to the Temple Mount.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The thwarted plot underscores the reach of Hamas-linked recruitment among Israeli Arab citizens and the persistent threat to far-right Israeli figures. Ben-Gvir’s response, linking the attempt to his controversial agenda, may fuel both domestic political tensions and the cycle of security crackdowns and militant retaliation. The ninth reported attempt on his life highlights the polarising nature of his policies and the ongoing security challenges within Israel’s borders during the Gaza war.

Watch For

The formal indictment of Muhammad Awad and any court proceedings that reveal further details of the Hamas contact or plot logistics. Monitor whether Ben-Gvir uses the incident to advance his legislative priorities (e.g., death penalty law for terrorists) or to tighten internal surveillance of Arab communities. Watch for reactions from Palestinian militant factions and any attempted retaliation.