Israel Alarmed by Growing Espionage by Its Citizens for Iran
WANA (Dec 05) – Israeli media reported on Thursday that cooperation between Israeli citizens and Iran’s intelligence services has increased sharply, a development the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) has described as a “serious security concern.”
According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12, the Shin Bet has urged municipal authorities in Tel Aviv to raise public awareness about the expanding phenomenon of Israeli nationals establishing contact with Iranian operatives to carry out espionage missions. Security assessments indicate that a number of Israelis have received financial compensation in exchange for providing assistance to Iran.
Among those under surveillance are former military personnel, students from leading universities, and prominent business figures, highlighting the breadth of the issue and deepening concerns over its penetration into sensitive sectors of Israeli society.
Three Israelis Arrested for Alleged Espionage for Iran. Social media/ WANA News Agency
In response, Tzvika Brot, the mayor of Bat Yam—a city in central occupied territories—issued a public statement calling on residents to report any contact with “hostile entities” or knowledge of such interactions. “Now is the time to confess,” he said.
Israeli sources confirmed that the mayor’s appeal followed a direct request from the Shin Bet. Brot warned, “Some residents are endangering not only Israel’s security but also their own future. These are extremely serious offenses. Anyone arrested by the Shin Bet will face irreversible damage to their life. Our goal is to prevent people from repeating these dangerous mistakes.”
In the latest case, Israel’s Attorney General has filed an indictment with the Be’er Sheva District Court against Amir Malka, an Israeli resident of Ashkelon. Malka is accused of maintaining contact with an Iranian intelligence officer and receiving cryptocurrency payments in exchange for cooperation. According to the charges, he documented his activities and transmitted the materials to foreign handlers via Telegram.
Israeli Soldier Charged with Suspected Iran Espionage
WANA (Nov 20) – Israeli prosecutors on Thursday placed a 22-year-old soldier from Beersheba under criminal prosecution on suspicion of spying for Iran during his military service. According to an Israeli newspaper, prosecutors claim that Rafael Reuveni had been in contact with an alleged Iranian intelligence operative and had sent him videos taken near […]
Israeli security agencies had previously announced the arrest of multiple citizens on suspicion of spying for Iran.
Channel 12 further reported that following the Bat Yam mayor’s public statement, several residents contacted municipal authorities and admitted to having ties with foreign entities. An Israeli security source said the volume of such cases has been “deeply alarming,” adding, “The highest level of contact has been recorded in the education sector.
Iranian operatives are targeting university students willing to cooperate for money. The number of young people involved in these activities has risen significantly.”
The source warned that many individuals mistakenly believe that taking simple photographs of shopping centers or public spaces and sending them abroad is harmless. “They do not realize this is the beginning of highly dangerous collaboration that directly harms Israel’s security. What starts with a simple request for a photo can later evolve into far more serious and sensitive missions.”
