The Israeli authorities revealed on Friday what they claim to be a plan by two young Palestinian men to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the New Arab website has reported.

According to the Israeli news website Ynet News, the two Palestinians have been identified as Hazm Sandouka, 22, and Fahdi Abu Kian, 19. Both are alleged to be affiliated to Hamas. They have been charged with being affiliated with a “terrorist” organisation, helping an enemy during wartime and contacting a foreign agent.

According to the indictment served against the two young men, they are accused of helping Hamas operative Ahmed Azzam; together they were allegedly preparing for the assassination of Netanyahu using explosives.

New Arab said that the Israeli authorities revealed these allegations at the same time as having arrested a Hamas military cell supposedly seeking to carry out attacks against Israeli targets and increasing security tensions. Hamas leader in exile Saleh Al-Arouri is the source of most of the anti-Israel plans, claim the authorities.

Furthermore, New Arab said that the Israelis also claim that Hamas has been planning toundermine the Palestinian Authority (PA) by escalating the current intifada. Israeli media reported on Thursday that a Hamas military cell in Jerusalem was arrested. Security coordination with the PA is at its exceptional best, insist the Israelis.

(MEMO)