Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli authorities have arrested nearly 30 individuals, predominantly Jewish citizens, accused of spying for Iran through nine covert cells. This marks one of Tehran’s most extensive infiltration efforts into Israel in decades, according to four Israeli security sources.
Among the alleged objectives were plans to assassinate prominent Israeli figures, including a nuclear scientist, and gather intelligence on military bases and air defenses, as reported by the Shin Bet security agency. In a recent case, a father-son duo was charged with passing on military movement details near their reside nce in the Golan Heights.
Over the past two years, Iran has reportedly increased its recruitment of Israeli citizens—both Jewish and Arab—through social media and direct financial offers. These efforts have targeted marginalized individuals, including recent immigrants, an army deserter, and a convicted sex offender.
Shalom Ben Hanan, a former Shin Bet senior official, described the revelations as “a large phenomenon” involving surprising numbers of Jewish Israelis agreeing to cooperate with Iran. Activities ranged from graffiti vandalism and vehicle sabotage to advanced plans involving firearms and grenades.
The arrests come amid heightened tensions, with Israel engaged in conflicts with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah. Shin Bet has labeled the espionage operations as “among the most severe” in Israel’s history.
While Iran’s mission to the UN neither confirmed nor denied involvement, it hinted that any such operations would avoid using Muslim or Iranian agents to reduce suspicion. Recruitment strategies reportedly include financial incentives and gradual demands, escalating to intelligence-gathering on sensitive targets under threat of blackmail.
High-profile arrests include Vladislav Victorsson, who, along with his girlfriend, was implicated in sabotage and assassination plots. Victorsson allegedly received over $5,000 for various tasks and planned further attacks, including obtaining weapons.
The public disclosure of these cases underscores Israeli authorities’ intent to deter potential collaborators and reinforce national security amid a broader shadow war with Iran.
