Israeli authorities have arrested a 22-year-old Haifa resident for alleged involvement in an Iranian-backed plot to assassinate a high-ranking Israeli official. The intended target is believed to be former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Ami Gaydarov, 22, was reportedly contacted by an Iranian agent in August 2025 and paid approximately $23,000, largely in cryptocurrency, to prepare for the assassination. Gaydarov allegedly rented an apartment in downtown Haifa to use as a laboratory for constructing bombs.
According to Israeli police, Gaydarov acquired dedicated phones and rented the apartment to produce explosive substances, documenting his activities for his handler. Three other suspects, Sergey Leibman, Edward Shovtiuk, and an unnamed individual, have also been arrested in connection with the plot, with indictments expected soon.
The plot was uncovered as part of "Operation Roaring Lion," Israel's military campaign against Iran, launched on February 28. This development follows Israel's recent stripping of citizenship from Israelis convicted of espionage for Iran.
Pro-Iranian attacks have increased since the war with Iran began, with a recent failed bomb plot against a Bank of America office in Paris also linked to a pro-Iran group.