The Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) cleared for publication on Wednesday that, following a complex joint counter-terrorism investigation by the Judea and Samaria District Police Central Investigative Unit and the Shin Bet, severe indictments were filed against a dangerous terror cell based in Shechem. Operating intensely since late 2023, the infrastructure—comprising two ‘Palestinian’ terrorists—worked systematically to build out extensive military capabilities across Judea and Samaria.
As part of their preparations, the cell amassed a diverse weapons arsenal that included M-16 rifles, M-4 carbines, Kalashnikov assault rifles, handguns, a hunting rifle, and substantial quantities of ammunition. In parallel, they recruited additional operatives, conducted live-fire training sessions, and instructed young recruits in operational tactical profiles.
The “Draw-In” Ambush and Explosive Drone Attack
During interrogation, investigators established that in 2024, the operatives resolved to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The indictment details that after watching media footage showing the minister inspecting the scene of a previous terror attack, one of the terrorists proposed executing a “draw-in attack”—waiting for Ben-Gvir to arrive at an incident site and ambushing him on-site.
The plan subsequently evolved into a precision strike utilizing an explosive suicide drone. One operative actively sought to procure specialized drone components from China to assemble the weapon and carry out the assassination. Beyond targeting the minister, the cell actively prepared lethal attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel utilizing car bombs and explosive drones. In addition, the operatives devised plans to carry out severe shooting ambushes and kidnap IDF soldiers in the sector. After successive detention extensions, the Samaria Military Prosecution filed serious security indictments and moved to remand both defendants in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Ben-Gvir: “This Is the 11th Attempt on My Life”
Otzma Yehudit Chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded Wednesday to the disruption of the Shechem cell, noting that this marked the 11th documented assassination attempt against him. “This is already the eleventh time they have tried to eliminate me, and the Almighty delivers me from their hands,” Ben-Gvir stated. “I have a message for all those enemies: this will not deter me, and it will not frighten me.”
The minister emphasized that he will continue advancing his hardline security platform: “I will continue to implement tough policies in the security prisons, I will continue to lead the demolition of illegal construction in the Negev, and I will ensure that the death penalty law for terrorists is enforced and applied.”
Addressing prospects of serving in broader security roles, Ben-Gvir added: “They tremble at the very thought of me becoming defense minister, because they know very well: with me there are no compromises and no discounts. What I say, I execute. Just last week, I encountered in prison some of the terrorists who previously tried to assassinate me. I saw them shaking with fear, completely incapable of looking me in the eye. The very same terrorists who tried to terrorize me are the ones trembling with terror today.”