Another Israeli arrested for threatening Naftali Bennett's life

An Elad resident was arrested for threatening the prime minister's life on the same day Ilana Sporta Hania was released to house arrest.

 Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the opening of the Knesset summer session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on May 9, 2022.  (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the opening of the Knesset summer session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on May 9, 2022.
(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Israel Police arrested on Sunday a 51-year-old Israeli for threatening the life of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

The man was arrested after reportedly stating that "someone needs to put a bullet in Bennett's head" during prayers in an Elad synagogue.

The Elad resident was interrogated by police and will be brought before a court on Monday to extend his arrest.

Also on Sunday, Ilana Sporta Hania, who was arrested for sending threatening letters containing bullets to Bennett's family last week, was released to house arrest.

The police, who failed in their attempt to extend her arrest, will file an appeal to delay her release.

 Ilania Sporta Hania, the 65-year-old woman suspected of sending death threats to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)
Ilania Sporta Hania, the 65-year-old woman suspected of sending death threats to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

Two threatening letters in envelopes containing bullets were sent to the Bennett family home in Ra’anana over the past month. After the first letter was sent in late April, the Shin Bet decided to boost security for the prime minister’s family.

Days later, a second letter was sent, targeting Bennett’s eldest son, Yoni. The working assumption of the investigation was that the Hania was behind the two letters.

Hania is known as an activist for opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu. She frequently spoke on social media against Bennett, calling him a “killer,” “traitor” and “swindler.” 

Last month, Hania wrote on Twitter she “hopes the Shin Bet will stop Bennett as it stopped [former prime minister Yitzhak] Rabin,” implying he was assassinated by the security agency. She has said on social media, “Only Bennett’s death will save Israel.”