Naftali Bennett allegedly targeted in Iranian-backed assassination plot
Trump pressures Iran and calls for ‘real deal’ amid Strait of Hormuz tensions
President Trump puts pressure on Iran as traffic slows down in the Strait of Hormuz and emphasizes the need for a ‘REAL DEAL’. Vice President Vance, Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepare to hold peace talks with Iran in Pakistan on Saturday, April 8, 2026. The administration is exploring possible penalties for NATO allies who do not support Iran’s war effort, amid concerns about a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East and ongoing regional instability.
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Israeli authorities arrested a 22-year-old Haifa resident for his involvement in an Iran-backed assassination plot against a senior Israeli official, according to reports. The target is believed to be former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Ami Gaydarov, 22, was arrested last month on suspicion of working with an Iranian agent to gather intelligence and make a bomb to be used in a terrorist plot against a senior Israeli official. Gaydarov was unaware of the target’s identity. The gag ban on his arrest was recently lifted, allowing Israeli media outlets to report on the incident.
Authorities said Gaydarov first contacted his Iranian handler in August 2025 and was paid about $23,000, mostly in cryptocurrency, to perform tasks in preparation for the assassination plot.
Gaydarov allegedly rented an apartment in the city center to serve as a laboratory for bombs.
ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER SAID THAT THE SENIOR IRANIAN COMMANDER WAS KILLED IN THE STRIKE
Ami Gaydarov was arrested by Israeli authorities on March 9 on suspicion of working with Iranian officials to harm a high-ranking official. (Israeli Police)
“To facilitate communication with his superiors, Gaidarov purchased special phones and rented an apartment in Haifa, where he produced the explosive material; he also documented his activities with videos and photographs sent to his handler as proof of compliance,” the Israeli police force said. he said.
Israeli authorities arrested three more suspects in connection with the plot, including Sergey Leibman and Edward Shovtiuk. The name of the fourth suspect was not disclosed. Officials said indictments against the four suspects should be prepared “in the coming days.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Vice President JD Vance at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, Israel, on October 22, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Pool/Getty Images)
The terrorist plot was uncovered as part of “Operation Roaring Lion,” a major military operation launched by Israel against Iran on February 28, coinciding with the beginning of the war with Iran.
The arrest of the four men comes as Israeli authorities won more than 40 indictments against more than 60 defendants working on behalf of the Iranian government. Just two months ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the revocation of the citizenship of Israelis found guilty of spying for Iran.
The illustration shows a missile launched from Iran with the country’s flag in the background. (iStock)
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Pro-Iranian attacks linked to radical groups have been on the rise since the start of the war with Iran. Just last week, French officials reported that a pro-Iranian group was behind the failed bomb plot at Bank of America’s office in Paris.
