Israel to Revoke Citizenship of Individuals Convicted of Spying for Iran
WANA (Feb 15) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the initiation of legal procedures to revoke the citizenship of settlers convicted of spying for Iran during wartime, according to reports.
Netanyahu, with the support of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, directed Israel’s security and executive bodies to begin the process of citizenship revocation once the judicial proceedings are complete and final rulings are issued in serious espionage cases benefiting the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In a closed-door meeting, Netanyahu described espionage activities against Israel as a “fundamental breach of trust” and vowed to respond with maximum severity.
Israeli media reports claim that over the past two years, around 40 indictments have been filed against nearly 60 suspects alleged to have been recruited by Iran.
Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, and Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority informed Netanyahu that while the measure is legally feasible, it can only be implemented after final convictions in major espionage cases.
Under Israel’s Nationality Law, citizenship can be revoked for individuals found guilty of “breach of loyalty to the State of Israel,” including those convicted of espionage or treason. Historically, this provision has mostly applied to Arab citizens accused of terrorist activities.
Officials note that the practical consequences of revocation may be limited. Individuals who lose Israeli citizenship but do not hold another nationality would still be eligible for permanent residency and could continue to live in the territory.
Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, warned in an official memo in one espionage case that spying for Iran has risen significantly within Israeli territory, creating a “high-level risk.” The agency said the increase in cases and their growing prevalence indicate that current deterrence measures are insufficient.
Tel Aviv: Two Arrested on Charges of Spying for Iran
WANA (Feb 05) – The Israeli security services have claimed the arrest of two Israeli citizens on charges of espionage and alleged links to Iran’s intelligence agencies. Israeli security officials stated that the two individuals were detained on suspicion of spying and maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence bodies. Based on these claims, the […]
