Hezbollah planned to target former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon using a standard Iranian “Kalimgor” explosive device at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv on the eve of Rosh Hashanah last year. This was cleared for publication on Wednesday afternoon following the partial lifting of a gag order.

The explosion occurred at 6:30 AM in Yarkon Park on Rosh Hashanah last year. Tel Aviv’s Central Unit (YAMAR) forces arrived at the scene and discovered that the device was a standard Iranian-made Kalimgor bomb. The Shin Bet joined the investigation, and hours later, two suspects were arrested on Route 431 with incendiary materials and camouflage equipment. The investigation concluded about a month later with indictments filed against eight out of the nine suspects. The ninth suspect is a Hezbollah operative with connections in Israel.

Inspector Elazar Rozalio, a YAMAR Tel Aviv investigative officer who was part of the investigation, said, “Two suspects revealed that they had smuggled a bag containing several explosive devices, weapons, various explosives, and drugs. During the investigation, we discovered that some suspects transported bags, while others hid them. By October, after a very intense investigation, we found that some of the explosives were still hidden in Israel. In East Jerusalem, we located three Iranian-made Kalimgor explosives and an M-16 rifle.”

According to the police, the suspects did not know each other. One suspect, under the guidance of a Hezbollah operative, placed the explosive under a tree. He parked a vehicle under the tree, activated a dashboard camera—which was intended to identify Ya’alon—and transmitted the footage to a Hezbollah operative who controlled the device remotely. The reason for the premature explosion was likely a malfunction. Initially, the suspects remained silent but later provided details about the incident.

A gag order had been placed on the case for a year, which, according to the police, allowed them to file indictments against the suspects, who are awaiting further legal proceedings.