Israeli Businessman confessed he has been recruited by Iran to assassin P.M Benjamin Netanyahu

An Israeli-Jewish businessman in his 70s, who had been living in Turkey for an extended period, was arrested last month on charges of security offenses. He is accused of having ties to Iranian intelligence officials and being recruited to assist in assassination plots targeting senior Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israeli police revealed the details of the case today (Thursday).

Recruited by Iranian Intelligence

According to the investigation, the businessman was recruited by Iranian intelligence while living in Turkey. The plot involved plans to carry out terrorist activities, including transferring funds, delivering weapons, and gathering intelligence.

Recruited by Iranian Intelligence

The businessman reportedly traveled to Iran twice, where he met with Iranian officials and discussed carrying out attacks on Israeli soil. He allegedly demanded $1 million in advance to undertake these actions but ultimately received only €5,000 as payment.

The businessman was arrested following a joint anti-terror operation by the Shin Bet and Lahav 433, the police's elite anti-corruption and organized crime unit. A serious indictment was filed against him today, with charges including espionage and collaborating with a foreign enemy.

Details of the Alleged Plot

The investigation revealed that during his time in Turkey, the businessman established connections with Iranian operatives through intermediaries. In April, he reportedly met with Iranian agents under the pretense of promoting business activity. However, it became clear that the true purpose of the meetings was to plan terrorist acts in Israel.

The accused was allegedly smuggled into Iran twice, where he met with Iranian officials who tasked him with plotting the assassination of key Israeli leaders. He was also asked to carry out additional missions, including photographing crowded areas in Israel and recruiting others to assist with the operations. According to the Shin Bet, the Iranian agents explored other potential assassination targets, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and various Israeli mayors.

Confession and Legal Proceedings

During his investigation, the Israeli businessman confessed to the crimes attributed to him, offering detailed accounts of his actions. The Shin Bet conducted 14 interrogations, and the police held four additional sessions. The prosecution's office expressed grave concern over what could have happened if the businessman had been paid the full amount he demanded. He reportedly said, "I don't know what would happen if they brought me the money, a million dollars, and what I would do, we are only human."

In their request for the defendant's detention until the end of the proceedings, prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the charges. They noted that the defendant had not only considered the assassination plots but had also discussed other terrorist and espionage activities with the Iranian agents.

Defense Lawyer's Response

The defendant’s lawyer, Eyal Basraglik, commented, "The indictment has just been received, and we have yet to review the investigation materials in full. At this stage, it is difficult to delve into the details of the case. What we can say is that this is a person who has greatly contributed to the security services of the State of Israel. His children serve in the security forces, and he made a mistake in judgment in the context of his business dealings. It is important to note that the indictment does not include other more serious charges. My client has fully cooperated with authorities and continues to do so."

Iran’s Continued Efforts to Target Israeli Officials

Shin Bet officials stressed that this case highlights Iran’s persistent efforts to recruit Israeli citizens for terrorist activities. "This is a very serious affair, showing Iran's determination to carry out attacks in Israel," a senior Shin Bet official said. The agency believes Iran will continue its attempts to gather intelligence and execute terrorist missions by recruiting individuals within Israel.