Israel Foils Iranian-Linked Espionage Plot Targeting Defense Minister
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of two young men from the northern town of Nesher, accusing them of involvement in a spy network allegedly linked to Iran and plotting surveillance operations against Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz.
According to the Israeli internal security agency, Shin Bet (Shabak), the suspects were apprehended following an investigation that revealed their communication with Iranian operatives over the internet. One of the suspects reportedly established direct contact with Iranian handlers and was tasked with carrying out specific operations in exchange for modest payments.
Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the assignments included delivering a package suspected of containing explosives and attempting to install surveillance cameras near the residence of the defense minister in central Israel.
Security officials disclosed that the current case is not isolated. At least 20 attempts by Iran to establish espionage networks within Israeli territory have reportedly been foiled since the outbreak of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. While most of these cases remain classified, authorities say they represent an ongoing effort by Tehran to exert pressure through covert operations.
Commenting on the incident, Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated, “Iran is trying to target me by recruiting operatives from within [Israel], but these threats will not deter me from fulfilling my duty.”
The incident highlights continued tensions between Israel and Iran, who remain entrenched in a longstanding regional rivalry marked by proxy conflicts and intelligence confrontations. Iran has been repeatedly accused by Israeli officials of supporting armed groups and attempting to destabilize Israeli internal security through espionage and cyber activities.
This latest development underscores the increasingly sophisticated methods used in such operations, as well as Israel’s emphasis on internal counterintelligence measures to prevent infiltration.
While these events unfold primarily within Israel’s internal sphere, they resonate across the region, where broader geopolitical rivalries—particularly between Iran and various U.S.-aligned states—have implications for stability, especially in zones already marked by protracted conflicts.
Further legal proceedings against the suspects are expected in the coming days as Israeli authorities continue to investigate the extent of the alleged espionage ring.