Israeli authorities have arrested about 30 citizens, mostly Jews, suspected of espionage in favor of Iran, Reuters News Agency reports. This is one of Tehran's biggest attempts to infiltrate Israel in recent decades. According to the Security Service, Shin Bet, some of the goals of these cells included the elimination of an Israeli nuclear scientist and former military officials, as well as gathering information on military bases and air defenses.
Among those arrested are individuals from the fringes of Israeli society, including young immigrants, an army deserter and a person previously convicted of sexual abuse. Two suspects are reported to be members of the ultra-Orthodox community.
The Shin Bet has stated that the suspected activities of these cells also included symbolic actions such as graffiti against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the burning of cars. One of those arrested, Vladislav Victorsson, 30, has admitted to committing a murder and organizing other attacks, including buying weapons.
According to the investigation, Iranian agencies recruited individuals through social media platforms and forced them to perform increasingly delicate tasks, often under the threat of blackmail. Recruits were initially tasked with simple tasks, before being asked to gather intelligence on military infrastructure.
The arrests come at a time of high tension in the region, where Israel faces Hamas and threats from Hezbollah. Israel and Iran have fired missiles at each other over the past year. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
