73-Year-Old Moti Maman Arrested Over Iran-Backed Plot to Assassinate Netanyahu

Sep 19, 2024, 09:43 AM

Israeli security services have arrested Moti Maman, a 73-year-old Jewish Israeli businessman, on charges of being recruited by Iran to assassinate top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar. Maman, who had been living in Turkey for extended periods, was apprehended in August 2024 following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Israeli police. Reports indicate that he was smuggled into Iran twice for meetings with Iranian intelligence officers. The plot, which involved receiving payment from Iran, was thwarted by Israeli authorities, who continue to warn about ongoing threats from Iran. Channel 12 reported Maman saying, "It's good that you arrested me, I don't know where it could have gone."