Investigators concluded that Awad allegedly planned an attack targeting a sitting Israeli government minister.
By United with Israel Staff
An Arab-Israeli from Nazareth has been arrested after allegedly attempting to join Hamas and obtain support to carry out terrorist attacks in Israel, the Shin Bet and Israel Police announced Tuesday.
Muhammad Awad, 29, was arrested in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the Northern District Police’s Emekim Major Crimes Unit. According to the investigation, Awad contacted the Hamas terrorist organization in an effort to join its ranks and receive funding and other resources to advance terrorist activity.
Investigators also concluded that Awad allegedly planned an attack targeting a sitting Israeli government minister. Israeli media reported that the target was National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
Awad worked as an unarmed security guard at the Afula Central Bus Station.
Following the investigation, the Northern District Prosecutor’s Office filed a prosecutor’s declaration with the Nazareth District Court ahead of the expected submission of an indictment.
In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and Israel Police stressed that they “view with great severity any involvement by Israeli citizens in activity that endangers the security of the state and its citizens,” adding that they “will use all means at their disposal to bring those involved in such activity to justice.”
Responding to the reports, Ben Gvir said terrorist organizations have targeted him repeatedly.
“This is the ninth time that terrorist organizations have marked me as a target and tried to harm me,” he said. “I thank the Shin Bet, Israel Police, the Israel Prison Service intelligence unit, Unit Magen, and above all, Almighty God, for preventing the terrorists from harming me and my family.”
The minister vowed not to change course, saying he would continue prison reforms, demolish illegal buildings, advance legislation imposing the death penalty on terrorists, strengthen Israeli sovereignty on the Temple Mount, expand civilian emergency response squads, and arm Israeli citizens.
“You will not frighten me, and I will not be deterred by you,” Ben Gvir said. “I will continue working 24/7 for the people of Israel.”
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