Israeli Police Arrest Seven Citizens for Allegedly Spying on Military for Iranian Intelligence

In a coordinated effort, Israeli authorities announced the arrest of seven individuals accused of operating a spy network on behalf of Iranian intelligence. The joint operation involved the Israeli police and the internal security agency, leading to the dismantling of the network that allegedly gathered sensitive information related to Israel's military bases and energy infrastructure.

Israeli Police Arrest Seven Citizens

The seven suspects, hailing from Haifa and other northern regions of Israel, were apprehended in a significant operation conducted on Monday, October 23, 2023. According to authorities, the individuals had been under suspicion for their involvement in collecting critical intelligence for Iranian agents.

Through investigations, security forces uncovered that the network operated under the direction of two Iranian nationals over a span of two years. It was revealed that the group conducted reconnaissance missions on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bases nationwide, focusing on air force and navy installations, ports, Iron Dome system locations, and energy infrastructure, including the Hadera power plant. The considerable amount of information gathered by the network was believed to pose a threat to national security and potentially facilitate enemy missile strikes.

Financial Transactions and Payments

Authorities disclosed that the group received substantial financial compensation, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, for their activities, often settled through cryptocurrency payments. The documentation process involved photographing and recording strategic sites, with the compiled data subsequently transmitted to Iranian operatives.

Significance of the Arrest

The police statement emphasized the potential security implications of the apprehended individuals, with an official from Israel's internal security agency stating that the materials seized from the suspects included photographs and videos of numerous IDF bases, ports, and energy infrastructure across Israel. The activities of the network were assessed to have inflicted damage to the state’s security.

Intelligence Gathering on Israeli Citizens

The group was also reportedly tasked with collecting intelligence on various Israeli citizens at the behest of the Iranian agents, highlighting the extensive nature of their operations beyond military and infrastructural targets.

The arrests come on the heels of another incident involving an alleged assassination plot against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, orchestrated by an individual suspected of being recruited by Iran. This event, coupled with the drone attack on Netanyahu's residence reportedly carried out by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, underscores the broader context of Iranian espionage and potential threats to Israeli leadership.