By Blake Wolf, OAN Staff
Thursday, September 19, 2024 6:06 PM
An Israeli man from the city of Ashkelon who is suspected of collaborating with the Iranian government has been accused of being involved in plots to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials.
advertisement
Israeli authorities allege that the suspect, Moti Maman, 73, had smuggled himself into Iran on two occasions, receiving advance payments to orchestrate the assassination on Tehran's behalf.
Authorities charged Maman on September 19.Number.
“The Israeli nationals hid inside a truck and secretly crossed the border into Iran,” Israel's security service, Shin Bet, said in a statement.
“He met with other Iranian intelligence officers who asked him to carry out Iranian activities on Israeli territory, including facilitating assassination attacks,” the agency continued.
What Israeli intelligence knows so far is that Maman is a businessman who spent part of his life in Turkey and other countries and who previously worked with Turks and Iranians.
Intelligence officials also alleged that during the meeting, they suggested Maman act on behalf of the Iranian government by blackmailing Israel. They also allegedly asked Maman to photograph crowded areas, in addition to storing weapons and cash in specific locations known only to them.
Israeli authorities say Maman's first meeting with them in Iran took place in April and a second time last month, during which he was asked to carry out the assassination attempt.
The Shin Bet said that during the first meeting, Maman met with a wealthy businessman based in Iran named “Eddy.” Maman was also reportedly asked to meet with two other Turks, who security services identified as “Andrey Farouk Aslan” and “Junaid Aslan,” to discuss “business activities.” Maman also reportedly met with another individual named “Khwaja,” who identified himself as a member of the Iranian security forces. The Israel Times Exit.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Ronen Baer were reportedly named as main targets.
During these discussions, Maman allegedly demanded $1 million up front, but the Iranian authorities rejected this, instead giving him $5,500 with the promise of more money later, and instructing him to remain vigilant and available should his services be needed.
But Maman's lawyer said his client's involvement was an “error of judgment” and that he was now cooperating with the Israeli government on the investigation.
“This is an individual who has provided significant support to the security services of the state of Israel and whose children serve in the security forces,” said Maman's lawyer, Eyal Besselglick.
Israeli officials further alleged that the plan was a way for Iran to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an airstrike in July.
Stay up to date! Receive the latest news directly in your email for free. Sign up here: https://www.oann.com/alerts
Advertisement below
Please share this post!
