Israeli police and security forces have arrested an elderly woman- reportedly in her 70s- accused of planning to kill Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu using an improvised explosive device, in what authorities are describing as a serious Netanyahu assassination plot.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, the woman- a resident of central Israel- had been in communication with others as part of the plan. The Shin Bet security agency is leading the investigation and has confirmed she will be charged with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act.
This is not the first alleged Netanyahu assassination plot in recent months. In September, Israeli media outlet Walla reported the arrest of an Israeli citizen suspected of plotting to kill Netanyahu along with other senior security officials. According to reports, the man had been recruited by Iranian intelligence while travelling in Turkey and later crossed into Iran to meet with his handlers.
That suspect allegedly targeted not only Netanyahu but also then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has cancelled two scheduled court hearings this week after reportedly suffering from a serious case of food poisoning. According to the Prime Minister’s office, he contracted a gastrointestinal infection after consuming spoiled food on Saturday night and is recovering at home while continuing to govern remotely. He was treated with intravenous fluids to combat dehydration and is expected to rest for three days.
The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court ultimately cancelled the hearings, citing a lack of available dates before the court’s summer recess, which will last until 5 September.
Also read: Trump demands Netanyahu’s corruption trial be cancelled
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