The arrest of an Israeli man for allegedly plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent shockwaves through the nation, but for one person in Ashkelon, it came as no surprise. This individual, a neighbour of 73-year-old Moti Maman, the Israeli businessman arrested last month, revealed that Maman’s alleged involvement with Iran was no secret to those who knew him.
In an interview with the Hebrew newspaper Maariv, the neighbour, who remained anonymous, shared insights into Maman’s apparent dissatisfaction with Israel. The neighbour stated, “The moment we saw that the spy was from Ashkelon, we immediately knew it was him. I called a friend and told her it must be him – and I was right. It doesn’t surprise me at all.” They further elaborated, “It was clear he didn’t like the country, that he wasn’t happy here. Whenever I saw him, he would complain. Two weeks ago, security forces arrived at the building with weapons, looking for him. He lives here with his partner.”
The Israeli Police confirmed Maman’s arrest last month, detailing his alleged role in a plot orchestrated by Iran. According to the police, Maman was recruited by Iranian operatives while residing in Turkey. This recruitment process spanned several months, including two covert visits to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence officials.
Maman is a Jewish Israeli businessman with extensive business connections in Turkey and Iran. He was assigned various tasks by the Iranian intelligence, including providing money and firearms at designated locations in Israel, photographing strategic locations for potential mass-casualty attacks, sharing footage with Iranian agents, and threatening Israeli individuals who refused to cooperate with his demands. The police also alleged that Maman attempted to recruit Mossad agents for Iranian operations.
The arrest of Moti Maman has raised significant concerns about the potential for Iranian interference in Israeli affairs. It also highlights the complexities of espionage and the lengths to which individuals may be willing to go for political or ideological gain. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will undoubtedly delve deeper into Maman’s motivations, his connections with Iranian intelligence, and the potential scope of the alleged plot.
