Police Name Woman Suspected of Sending Death Threats to Bennett

Authorities revealed Thursday the identity of the woman who had been arrested on suspicion of sending threatening letters to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his family, some of which included bullets.

Mrs. Ilana Sporta Hania, 65, is accused of committing an act of terrorism, extortion by threat, criminal possession of a weapon, and conspiracy to commit a crime, allegations she denies.

A former nurse, Hania has frequently spoken out against Bennett on social media, including calling him a “killer” and “traitor.”

Two weeks ago, the Magen Unit in the Prime Minister’s Office increased protection of the Bennett family after they were sent a threatening letter, which included a direct threat to assassinate the Prime Minister alongside a live round of ammunition.

The evidence was given to the police and an investigation was launched into the matter.

Several days later, a second letter containing a bullet was sent to the home of Bennett, this time addressed to his elder son, Yoni.

Bennett wrote on social media at the time, “A political dispute, no matter how deep, should not turn into violence, bullying and death threats. We need to do everything as leaders and as future citizens whose future and that of their children is there, so that things like this will simply not happen. We’re all human. Arguments and disagreements – yes. Bullying and threats – no.

“I’m the Prime Minister and a political person, but I’m also a husband and a father, and I have an obligation to protect my wife and children. We need to turn down the flames of the political discourse.”