A deranged activist was arrested at her home in central Israel for conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to reports from the Israeli police and the Shin Bet internal security service, the woman had attempted to obtain weapons and information about the prime minister's security routines. According to authorities, she approached other anti-government protesters with the aim of recruiting logistical support to carry out her plan.
Although the suspect's identity and place of residence remain under strict judicial secrecy, the media were allowed to disclose details about the nature of the investigation. The operation was led by Lahav 433's serious crimes and international crime unit, based in Lod.
The woman had been arrested two weeks ago, but was released on probation under strict restrictions, including a ban on approaching any state institution or the prime minister himself.
Nevertheless, after the investigation concluded, the case materials were transferred to the State Attorney General's Office, which plans to file a formal indictment this Thursday. The charges will include conspiracy to commit a crime and conspiracy to perpetrate a terrorist act.
Although security services haven't directly linked the attempt to any extremist group, the fact that the suspect comes from circles of protest against the government has raised concern within the Israeli establishment.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that, although the plan didn't reach an advanced operational stage, the mere act of having sought weapons and details about the head of state's security justifies the charge of terrorist conspiracy.
