Israel arrests two citizens over alleged Iran-linked spy contact

Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency and the police’s Central District unit have arrested two Israeli citizens on suspicion of acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence operatives, according to a statement.

The arrests were carried out in March 2026. One of the suspects, a 19-year-old man from Ness Ziona, is alleged to have been in contact over several months with a foreign Iranian agent online, during which he reportedly shared personal identification details, including information about himself and his family.

Investigators say the suspect agreed to carry out training in a Middle Eastern country and was also asked to recruit additional individuals to assist with tasks directed by the alleged handler.

During the period of contact, the suspect’s family is reported to have received threatening messages directly from the same Iranian-linked source. Despite this, he is said to have continued maintaining communication.

In the course of questioning, he also allegedly admitted involving a 21-year-old acquaintance from Beit Oved in assisting with one of the tasks requested by the foreign agent. The second individual was subsequently detained for questioning.

Authorities say a serious indictment against the two suspects is expected to be filed in the coming days.

By Aghakazim Guliyev