Israel Arrests Air Defense Operative Suspected of Spying for Iran
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Two Israeli citizens, including a soldier who served in Israel’s air defense forces, have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran, Israeli authorities said on Monday.
Newsweek has contacted the Iranian Foreign Ministry via email.
Why It Matters
Israel arrested dozens of its citizens in 2024, accused of spying for Iran. Israel considers Iran to be its main enemy—Tehran directly attacked the country with two large-scale aerial attacks in 2024 and has propped up militant organizations operating against Israel, including Gaza-based Hamas and Hezbollah, operating from Lebanon. The U.S. considers these Iranian proxies as terror organizations.
Rockets fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza City are intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome defense missile system in the early hours of October 8, 2023. Rockets fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza City are intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome defense missile system in the early hours of October 8, 2023. EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Israel’s police and the country’s security agency, also known as Shin Bet, said in a joint statement that the authorities had arrested two Israeli citizens earlier this month on suspicion of working for Iranian operatives.
Israeli authorities named the citizens as Yuri Eliasfov and Georgi Andreev, who had lived in northern Israel.
Eliasfov had been in touch with an Iranian agent and “carried out security-related tasks under their direction in exchange for financial compensation” for several months, the Israeli authorities said.
Eliasfov spray-painted graffiti praising Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, at “various locations,” Israeli authorities said. Eliasfov also allegedly “transferred classified material to his handler,” to which he had access during his time serving in Israel’s air defense forces.
The Israeli police and security agency added in their statement that Eliasfov had brought Andreev, a friend, into the fold.
Both Israeli citizens “understood they were in contact with an Iranian handler,” the authorities said.
The joint investigation indicated that Iran was trying to recruit Israelis into its spy network through social media, according to the statement.
In October 2024, Israeli authorities said seven Israelis had been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran the previous month.
The Israeli citizens carried out hundreds of missions on behalf of Iran, including scoping out sensitive military sites and bases, domestic media reported, citing prosecutors.
Who Said What
Israel’s police and the Shin Bet security agency said in a statement on Monday: “The Israel Security Agency and the Israel Police once again warn Israeli citizens and residents against engaging in contact with foreign operatives and carrying out tasks for them. They will take the utmost legal action against those involved in such activities. The public is urged to continue reporting any suspicious contacts received from unidentified sources offering ‘work’ or various tasks, especially those occurring on social media platforms.”
What Happens Next
Prosecutors are expected to file “a serious indictment against them in the coming days,” the Israeli authorities said.
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