Israel Arrests Seven Citizens Suspected of Spying for Iran

The Israel Police and the Shin Bet announced on Monday that seven Israeli citizens have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran. The seven individuals are suspected of carrying out surveillance missions of IDF military bases and infrastructure sites as well as monitoring Israeli VIPs for potential kidnapping and murder. One base they were reported to be surveilling on behalf of Iranian intelligence was the Golani Brigade base, where four IDF soldiers were killed by a Hezbollah drone strike last week.

Other high-value bases that the alleged spies carried out reconnaissance on include Ramat David Airbase, Nevatim Airbase, and Glilot.

The suspects, Jewish Israelis of Azeri origin from Haifa and Haifa’s bayside suburbs, "were given maps of strategic sites from their handlers, including of the Golani Brigade base," the State Attorney said.

"This investigation highlights ongoing efforts by Iranian intelligence to recruit and exploit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorism within Israel," the Israel police said. "The network conducted extensive reconnaissance missions on IDF bases nationwide, focusing on air force and navy installations, ports, Iron Dome system locations, and energy infrastructure such as the Hadera power plant."

"The network members were aware that the intelligence they provided compromised national security and could potentially aid enemy missile attacks," the Police added.

Authorities added that the suspects have been in custody for 35 days and this is one of the most serious cases of espionage Israel has ever faced. The suspects knowingly did serious damage to Israel's national security purely for financial gain, according to the authorities.