Citizen Accused of Shocking Conspiracy with Foreign Intelligence

Close-up of dictionary page defining "assassination."

Israeli national Moti Maman has been charged with plotting assassinations for Iranian intelligence, including targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At a Glance

Moti Maman, aged 73, was accused of plotting with Iran to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top government leaders.
Maman, who has ties to Turkey, reportedly attended meetings with Iranian officials in Iran.
He allegedly demanded $1 million but was only offered 5,000 Euros for his involvement.
The plots were believed to be retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Maman’s lawyer stated that he is now cooperating with Israeli authorities.

Case Background and Accusations

Israeli national Moti Maman, aged 73, has been formally charged with conspiring with Iranian intelligence to carry out assassinations on Israeli soil. Maman, a businessman with strong ties to Turkey, was accused of targeting high-profile leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Israeli security agencies, Maman attended two meetings in Iran earlier this year where he was asked to carry out clandestine operations.

Alleged tasks proposed by Iranian operatives included transferring money, securing weapons, and photographing crowded locations. Maman purportedly demanded an advance of $1 million for the assignments, yet was only paid 5,000 Euros. His initial trips to Iran were reported to be business propositions which were turned into recruitment attempts by Iranian operatives.

Man charged with plotting shooting at NY Jewish center on anniversary of Hamas attackhttps://t.co/yvOVmIrIv1

— NewsChannel 8 | KTUL (@KTULNews) September 7, 2024

Assassination Targets and Retaliation

Among the alleged assassination targets were Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. These plots are speculated to have been motivated as vengeance for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an airstrike in Tehran, which Iran attributed to Israeli forces. Additionally, the arrest followed Israel’s sophisticated attack on Hezbollah, a terror group backed by Iran, in Lebanon.

“It can already be said that this is a person who has greatly assisted the security services of the State of Israel, whose children serve in the security forces,” Besserglick said.

The Shin Bet also reported that Maman was involved in a plan orchestrated by Hezbollah targeting a former senior security official with an explosive device. Arab media identified the target as Lt. Gen. (res.) Aviv Kochavi, a former IDF chief of staff. Hezbollah operatives monitored Kochavi at a sports facility he frequented.

Man charged with plotting shooting at NY Jewish center on anniversary of Hamas attackhttps://t.co/yvOVmIrIv1

— NewsChannel 8 | KTUL (@KTULNews) September 7, 2024

Security Concerns and International Ramifications

Israel faces continuous threats from Iranian-backed militias and terrorist organizations including Hezbollah and Hamas. These threats have escalated tensions, leading to daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli military since early October. The continued efforts by Iranian intelligence to recruit Israeli citizens for terrorist activities exemplify the deeply rooted and persistent security challenges faced by Israel.

As reported in Times of India, a senior Shin Bet official said, “This is a very serious case that exemplifies the enormous efforts of Iranian intelligence agents to recruit Israeli citizens to promote terrorist activities in Israel.”

Maman’s lawyer, Eyal Besserglick, described his client’s actions as an “error of judgment” and emphasized Maman’s cooperation with the Israeli authorities. The Israeli government’s ability to thwart these attempts before they translate into action underscores the country’s robust security measures amidst evolving threats.