In a significant counterintelligence breakthrough, Israeli authorities have arrested seven Israelis on charges of espionage for Iran. Prosecutors claim the suspects, including two minors and one soldier who had gone AWOL, completed approximately 600 missions for Iranian intelligence over the past two years.
The group allegedly provided Iran with sensitive information on military sites, including the Ramat David and Nevatim Airbases, the Golani Brigade base, and strategic infrastructure such as energy installations and the Iron Dome missile defense system. Notably, the Golani Brigade base was the target of a Hezbollah drone attack that killed four soldiers last week.
Authorities revealed that the accused gathered intelligence to help identify potential human targets for Iran and mapped out strategic military sites across Israel. Their activities, conducted at the direction of Iranian agents known as “Alkhan” and “Orkhan,” were allegedly aimed at aiding future attacks.
Police stated that the group’s actions inflicted serious security damage and had the potential to assist in missile attacks by enemy forces. They further revealed that the suspects were aware of the risks involved and were motivated purely by financial gain, receiving payments routed through Russian intermediaries.
Documents seized during the investigation provided critical evidence of their involvement, highlighting payments amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the high-risk intelligence work.
The arrests are part of a coordinated operation involving the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the police’s Lahav 433 unit, and military intelligence. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel responded to the arrests by stating that those involved in spying for Iran would face the revocation of their Israeli citizenship.
Authorities emphasized that this case is one of several recent instances of Iranian intelligence attempting to recruit Israeli citizens. Investigations continue, with further arrests and indictments expected in the coming weeks.
