Israeli Businessman Indicted for Alleged Role in Iranian Plot Against Netanyahu

On September 19, a 73-year-old Israeli businessman, Moti Maman, appeared in a southern Israeli court relating to what authorities allege was an Iranian plot to assassinate prominent Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The case raises fresh concerns about security and foreign espionage involving Israeli citizens.

Authorities claim that Maman was smuggled into Iran from Turkey on two separate occasions. During his second trip in August, he allegedly met with Iranian officials who had tasked him with advancing plots to kill significant Israeli leaders like Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and domestic security chief Ronen Bar, as reported by Shin Bet and the Israel Police.

According to law enforcement, Maman initially met a mysterious Iranian businessman named Eddy in May. During that meeting, he was allegedly requested to perform various tasks on behalf of the Iranian regime. These included cash drops, delivering handguns to specified locations, photographing crowded public areas, and pressuring other Israeli operatives who were not complying with orders from Tehran.

Upon returning for a second meeting, further instructions were given. These included suggestions for Maman to recruit Americans or Russians to target Iranian critics residing in Europe and the United States. Authorities also allege there was a plan to “turn” a Mossad operative into a double agent.

The Iranian regime reportedly viewed these assassination plans against Israeli officials as a form of retaliation for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, an act which Iran attributes to Israeli forces.

Additionally, former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Naftali Bennett was identified as a potential target in the ongoing accusations against Maman.

Before accepting any assignments, Maman allegedly requested a $1 million advance. However, he ultimately received only a one-off payment of $5,580 for attending the meetings leading up to his arrest upon returning to Israel in August.

A senior Shin Bet official expressed grave concerns over Maman’s actions, stating, “At a time when the State of Israel is at war on several fronts, an Israeli citizen goes to an enemy country on two different occasions, meets with Iranian intelligence agents, and expresses a willingness to carry out serious terrorist acts on Israeli soil.” The official emphasized that Maman’s actions had contributed to Iran’s intelligence efforts against Israel.

The case illustrates the significant efforts exerted by Iranian intelligence to recruit Israeli citizens for carrying out terrorist activities within Israel, according to Shin Bet.

Maman’s attorney claimed his client is fully cooperating with the investigation and noted that the intelligence Maman provided inadvertently assisted security agencies. “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, and who made an error of judgment in the context of his business,” said attorney Eyel Besserglick.

This development follows recent reports from Israel indicating it has thwarted attacks by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed military group in Lebanon. These plots reportedly targeted former high-ranking defense officials, including Israeli Defense Forces chief of staff Moshe Ya’alon. Additionally, tensions escalated this week after communication devices linked to alleged Hezbollah operatives exploded, resulting in numerous casualties.