Israeli man held over suspected espionage for Iran

A Bat Yam man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence officials and carrying out security-related missions for them, Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said in a joint statement.

A prosecutor’s statement was filed against the suspect at the end of a joint undercover investigation by the Ayalon District police’s Crime-Fighting Unit and the Shin Bet, the statement said. An indictment is expected to be filed against him in the coming days, The Jerusalem Post reports.

According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly made contact with an Iranian figure through social media at the end of 2025. He allegedly agreed to carry out various missions in exchange for money transferred to him during that contact.

The suspect was arrested in May 2026 as part of the joint Shin Bet and police operation.

During the investigation, authorities said the suspicion against him grew stronger, indicating that in the months before his arrest he had been in contact with Iranian intelligence officials and had carried out several security-related tasks.

Police and the Shin Bet described the case as a severe espionage affair involving alleged contact with a foreign agent.

Police and Shin Bet warn Israelis against contact with foreign agents

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

By Vafa Guliyeva