New Iranian Spy Ring Disrupted in Israel, Targeting Security Sites and Think Tank
Israeli authorities have dismantled a suspected Iranian espionage network operating within the country, Shin Bet security service and police officials announced on Thursday. This is the latest of several alleged spy rings in recent weeks, reportedly linked to Iranian intelligence operations. In the latest case, an Israeli couple from Lod, near Tel Aviv, was arrested for gathering intelligence on sensitive sites, including Israel’s Mossad intelligence headquarters and other critical infrastructure, according to Shin Bet and police sources.
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In addition to monitoring infrastructure, one of the suspects reportedly surveilled a female academic associated with Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). Investigators allege that the Iranian operatives aimed to harm this academic, a significant escalation that underscores Iran’s intensified efforts to recruit spies in Israel. The Iranian operation allegedly recruited individuals from Caucasus-origin backgrounds, leveraging community ties to gather intelligence within Israel.
The Shin Bet stated, “These incidents join a series of thwarted attempts…in which Israeli citizens were arrested for working on behalf of Iranian intelligence agents and performing specific missions on their behalf.” Additional evidence from the investigation indicates that one suspect had also attempted to recruit an assassin for another mission. Another recruit of Azerbaijani origin was reportedly brought into the spy network by one of the couple to complete specific assignments.
