Prosecutors indict Beersheba man, 28, for attempted attack on former MK Mossi Raz

Prosecutors have indicted a 28-year-old man from Beersheba, Asaf Israel Arye, for attempting to attack former Knesset member Mossi Raz. According to an indictment filed by attorney Oread Shalew of the Central District Prosecutor’s Office, Arye was allegedly part of a plot involving online coordination and financial incentives. Arye reportedly contacted a man named Avi through Instagram, who introduced himself as an activist in a right-wing organization seeking individuals willing to perform paid tasks “for the good of saving the people.” Initially, Arye was asked to print and distribute a flyer, but he responded that he had previously served prison time and was capable of carrying out “more serious jobs,” such as stabbing and arson. He further discussed the potential for these activities, pricing them and negotiating payment terms and timing with Avi. Arye eventually agreed to carry out a violent act against Mossi Raz. The two men decided that Arye would hit Raz or spray him with pepper spray, document the attack, and receive 8,000 shekels in return. On the same day, Arye traveled from Beersheba to Lod, purchasing a burner phone and equipping himself with pepper spray and a knife. He left his personal phone with a friend to avoid easy identification and proceeded to the city where Raz resides. Upon reaching the vicinity of Raz’s home, Arye took photographs of the area multiple times and sent them, along with videos, to Avi using the burner phone. At this point, he claimed he would not proceed with the attack as planned due to the presence of police vehicles nearby. Several days later, Arye was asked, again for payment, to provide Avi with the address of former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. For performing these tasks, he received approximately $1,000 through a digital wallet, according to the indictment. After completing the assignments, Arye smashed the burner phone and deleted his Telegram conversations with Avi in an attempt to erase evidence. He was subsequently arrested in Lod with a knife in his possession. The indictment charges Arye with conspiracy to commit a felony, destruction of evidence, possession of a knife, and other related offenses. The prosecution has requested that he remain in custody until the conclusion of the proceedings against him. The investigation into the case was conducted by the Shin Bet and the Central District police’s major crimes unit. Arye's actions highlight the growing concern around organized efforts to coordinate attacks using digital platforms and financial transactions. His alleged involvement in targeting public figures underscores the risks posed by such schemes. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures in preventing and detecting such threats. Authorities continue to investigate the broader network and its connections to extremist groups. The legal process will determine the extent of Arye’s culpability and the implications for similar cases.