In a dramatic and deeply unsettling incident, Israeli authorities have arrested a woman in her 70s from Tel Aviv on charges of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The arrest, which took place two weeks ago but was only made public on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the country.
The woman, a known anti-government activist, is accused of discussing and planning an attempt to murder the Prime Minister using an explosive device. Her identity and home address remain concealed under a strict court gag order, but her actions have ignited intense public debate about political extremism, incitement, and the mental health of activists at the end of their lives.
The suspect reportedly spoke openly with fellow anti-government protesters about her intentions. According to the Kan public broadcaster, she was looking to gather details about Netanyahu’s security arrangements and was even considering how to acquire weapons or build a bomb.
These revelations have raised serious concerns about how deeply political frustration may be manifesting in increasingly radical and dangerous ways within Israel’s protest movements. Police and Shin Bet security agents acted swiftly on a tip-off, and the woman was arrested and brought in for questioning.
One of the more chilling details of the case, as reported by Ynet, is that the woman has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This diagnosis allegedly played a significant role in her decision to move forward with the plot. According to the report, she told investigators she intended to “take Bibi with me to the grave.”
The line has become a grim symbol of how personal despair and political rage can dangerously intertwine. The combination of terminal illness, long-standing political discontent, and access to protest networks appears to have created a volatile mix.
From Protest to Plot: How an Activist’s Grievances Turned into a Security Threat
The suspect’s alleged involvement in such a serious crime is particularly notable because of her age and her background as an activist. She is not known to be part of any militant or extremist organization but has long been part of Israel’s vocal anti-government protest movement. Her case illustrates the blurred line between legitimate political dissent and criminal or violent action.
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It raises uncomfortable questions about how widespread political anger — even among unlikely individuals — can spiral into tangible threats to national leadership. Israel has seen sustained waves of protest over the last few years, particularly in opposition to Netanyahu’s government, judicial reforms, and perceived threats to democratic institutions.
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Within these demonstrations, figures like Gonen Ben Itzhak — a former Shin Bet security officer turned protest leader — have emerged. Ironically, it was Ben Itzhak who reportedly alerted authorities after learning about the suspect’s intentions. His tip-off helped prevent what could have been a catastrophic event, underscoring the crucial role played by those within protest movements in policing their own ranks.
The woman was interrogated by the police’s unit for serious and international crimes and is said to have partially confessed to the charges. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, she was released to her home under a restraining order that forbids her from approaching the Prime Minister or any government buildings.
This has sparked controversy among some observers who argue that someone accused of such grave intentions should not be allowed to return home. However, others note her health condition and age as mitigating factors in determining the conditions of her release.
Political Fallout and the Broader Context of Incitement
Prime Minister Netanyahu has for years claimed that he and his family have been the targets of incitement by political opponents and critics. He has repeatedly accused the media, judicial system, and even law enforcement agencies of turning a blind eye to threats made against him. The current case appears to add weight to his assertions, though critics argue that Netanyahu himself has, at times, contributed to a climate of hostility and division within Israeli society.
The history of political violence in Israel is not distant. The assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 by a Jewish extremist remains a national trauma. Rabin’s murder came after a period of fierce political incitement — including protests in which Netanyahu himself was accused of participating in or at least tolerating incendiary rhetoric.
That legacy casts a long shadow over current events. Many of Netanyahu’s critics argue that he and his loyalists often stoke hatred against left-wing opponents, Arabs, and even dissenters within the Jewish population.
This latest incident, then, lands in a fraught and deeply divided political environment. With several assassination plots already reported in 2024 — not just from individuals within Israel, but also allegedly from Iranian-backed operatives — the atmosphere is tense. Security around Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials has reportedly been tightened in response.
Even more troubling is the normalization of violent language and imagery in Israeli political discourse. With protest movements now seen by some as potential breeding grounds for extremism, the challenge for Israel’s democracy is to find a balance between protecting freedom of expression and maintaining national security. The involvement of an elderly woman with a terminal illness in an alleged assassination plot adds a surreal and unsettling dimension to this problem.
The Role of Terminal Illness, Desperation, and Radicalization
A particularly complex aspect of this case lies in the woman’s health. Being diagnosed with a terminal illness often alters a person’s mental and emotional state in profound ways. In this situation, investigators believe the diagnosis served as a catalyst for her plans. Her mindset seemed shaped not only by a sense of impending mortality but also by a desire to give what she perceived as a ‘final political statement’ — one that tragically crossed into criminal territory.
Psychologists and legal experts have noted that while terminal illness can foster feelings of hopelessness, combining it with political disillusionment can potentially lead to radical decisions. Whether her mental state at the time of planning was stable or impaired will likely become a key issue in her legal proceedings. Some legal analysts speculate that her defense may lean on diminished responsibility, given her age and condition.
Still, even if her physical and mental health were contributing factors, the severity of her alleged actions cannot be ignored. Attempting to assassinate a head of state is one of the gravest crimes in any country. The fact that a seemingly frail protester could reach the point of seriously considering such an act reveals disturbing vulnerabilities in the social fabric and calls for introspection across political lines.
As of now, charges of criminal and terrorist offenses are expected to be formally filed against her. Her defense lawyers have so far declined to comment, citing the pending indictment and the sensitive nature of the case. The court proceedings are likely to draw significant public attention, not just for their legal implications but for the wider questions they raise about extremism, incitement, health, and protest in Israel.
Ultimately, this case may be remembered not only for its bizarre and tragic details but also for what it tells us about the state of Israeli society — a nation under pressure, struggling to balance democracy with security, and increasingly facing the reality that threats can come from the most unexpected places.