Israeli businessman arrested over plot to assassinate Netanyahu, top officials
What's the story
An Israeli businessman has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in an Iranian-backed assassination plot targeting high-profile individuals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Shin Bet security agency and the police said in a joint statement that the suspect had attended at least two meetings in Iran to discuss potential assassination plans.
The arrest was made last month amid escalating tensions along Israel's border with southern Lebanon.
Plot details
Arrestee's connections and alleged assassination plans
The arrested individual, who lived in Turkey for an extended period, reportedly maintained connections with both Turkish and Iranian individuals.
He was "smuggled twice into Iran and received payment for carrying out missions," according to the police statement.
The intended targets of these assassination plots included not only PM Netanyahu but also Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and other prominent officials.
Covert operations
Suspect's activities and previous assassination plot
During his time in Iran, the suspect was allegedly assigned various security missions within Israel.
These included "transferring 'money or a gun' and threatening other Israelis recruited by Iran."
He was then reportedly instructed to plan assassinations.
This arrest follows Shin Bet's recent uncovering of a plot by the Lebanese group Hezbollah to assassinate former Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon.
Iran backs Hezbollah, Hamas, and other extremist groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Unprecedented attack
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When he returned to Israel in August, he was arrested by Israeli officials.
Channel 12 News said that the 73-year-old man told authorities, "It's good that you arrested me; I don't know where it could have gone."
His lawyer said his client made "an error of judgment" and is fully cooperating with authorities.
"We have not yet seen the investigative materials, so at this stage it is difficult to go into the details of the case," said the attorney.