Israeli arrested on suspicion of spying for Iranian intelligence

An Israeli man in his 30s faces espionage charges for allegedly maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence officials and carrying out security-related missions for them. Israel Police and the Shin Bet announced the arrest Monday, following a joint undercover investigation that reportedly began with the suspect making contact with an Iranian figure via social media in late 2025.

Authorities stated the suspect agreed to perform various missions in exchange for money. He was arrested in May 2026, and investigators believe his suspicion grew stronger as he allegedly completed several security tasks for Iranian intelligence in the months prior. Police and the Shin Bet described the case as a severe espionage affair involving alleged contact with a foreign agent.

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Israel Police and the Shin Bet again warn Israeli citizens and residents against maintaining contact with foreign elements and carrying out missions for them. These actions constitute a serious violation of the law and endanger state security.

Security agencies issued a stern warning to Israeli citizens and residents against engaging with foreign entities or undertaking missions for them, emphasizing that such actions are serious legal violations and endanger state security. They vowed to continue efforts to identify and prosecute individuals cooperating with hostile actors to protect Israel.

The case emerges amid heightened concerns over Iranian intelligence services attempting to recruit Israelis online, particularly through social media and financial incentives. The Shin Bet has noted a sharp increase in such recruitment efforts since the recent war began. In 2025, 25 Israelis and foreign residents were indicted for spying for Iran, with 120 separate Iranian espionage incidents thwarted that year.

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The security agencies added that they would continue working with all relevant defense bodies to identify, foil, and bring to justice anyone who chooses to cooperate with hostile actors, in order to protect Israel and its citizens.