Yesterday, Israeli security services announced the arrest of seven Israeli citizens involved in a spy ring working for Iranian intelligence. The suspects were apprehended in the northern part of the country, including the port city of Haifa, after an investigation led by Shin Bet and the Israeli police.
The individuals are accused of gathering intelligence on military bases, energy infrastructure, and ports across Israel. Among the targets were the Iron Dome air defense system, Israeli Air Force and Navy installations, and the country’s largest power plant in Hadera. The suspects reportedly provided the sensitive information to Iranian intelligence agents in exchange for large sums of money, some of which were paid via cryptocurrency.
The Shin Bet investigation revealed that the Iranian agents directed the suspects to carry out surveillance on military facilities and strategic infrastructure, possibly preparing for future attacks. Israeli officials have emphasized the seriousness of the breach, stating that the spy ring’s actions have caused damage to national security.
The suspects, including two minors, were reportedly driven by financial motives. They were tasked with hundreds of information-gathering missions over a period of time, ultimately aiding two Iranian agents, known by the code names “Elkhan” and “Orkhan.” The suspects were provided with sophisticated equipment to document and photograph sensitive locations, which were later shared with Iranian intelligence.
In a coordinated effort with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Shin Bet was able to apprehend the suspects before they could carry out further damage. According to officials, some of the members were even caught while conducting surveillance on a potential target in Israel. This swift action may have prevented further escalation or potential attacks.
Israel has experienced an increase in attempts by foreign intelligence agencies, particularly Iran, to infiltrate and gather information. This spy ring is one of several instances in recent years where Israeli citizens were accused of working on behalf of Iran, highlighting the ongoing intelligence conflict between the two countries.
The arrest of the suspects comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Iran are already high. The Israeli government has been engaged in military operations against Iranian-backed militias in Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen. In response to these developments, Israeli authorities have heightened their vigilance against espionage efforts, making this latest arrest a critical step in maintaining national security.
Further investigations are ongoing, and indictments are expected to be filed against the suspects in the coming days. Israeli security services continue to be on alert for any additional attempts to breach the country’s defenses.
Image is in the Public domain and was created by the Israel Defense Forces.
.jpg){kind=link}