Israeli security agencies announced on Monday that they had dismantled an alleged Iranian spy ring operating within Israel, arresting seven citizens accused of gathering intelligence on military and energy infrastructure. The arrests, which were the result of a joint operation by the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency and the Israeli police, have been described as one of the most serious security breaches in recent years.
According to authorities, the suspects were involved in spying for two Iranian intelligence agents known by their code names, "Elkhan" and "Orkhan." The suspects are accused of conducting surveillance on key Israeli military facilities, including the Kirya defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, the Nevatim and Ramat David airbases, and other sensitive locations such as ports and the Hadera power plant. Three of the suspects were apprehended while allegedly photographing sensitive sites in southern Israel, and investigators discovered dozens of documents in their possession.
Israeli police and Shin Bet officials said that the group had been active for about two years, conducting more than 600 missions under Iranian direction. The suspects allegedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for their activities, with payments made both in cash and through cryptocurrencies. State prosecutors emphasized that this network posed a significant threat to national security, with the intelligence gathered potentially aiding Iran's missile attacks against Israeli installations.
"This is one of the most serious security cases investigated in recent years," said a statement from state prosecutors. "The suspects acted knowingly, driven by financial greed, and compromised the safety of Israel and its citizens." The individuals arrested were Jewish immigrants from Azerbaijan living in the Haifa area, and some were related to one another, according to reports in the Israeli press.
The suspects allegedly carried out extensive reconnaissance missions on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bases across the country, with a particular focus on air force and navy installations and the Iron Dome missile defense system. Their activities also included monitoring energy infrastructure, which raised concerns that Iran may be adopting tactics similar to those used by its ally Russia, which has frequently targeted Ukraine's energy systems during its ongoing conflict.
Reports indicate that the suspects meticulously followed Iranian instructions, including photographing strategic sites and documenting sensitive information. "They collected dozens of documents that noted the exact site to photograph, what information to gather, and how much money they would be paid," said Yaron Binyamin, one of the investigating police officers. "It was a real system-they would receive their mission, travel to the location, unload their equipment, and send the photos via encrypted software to their Iranian handlers."
In addition to gathering intelligence on military bases and infrastructure, the suspects were also tasked with monitoring specific Israeli citizens. Authorities believe that some of these individuals were targeted for potential harm at the behest of Iranian agents. Several of the suspects were arrested while conducting surveillance on an Israeli citizen residing near their location, raising alarms that Iran might have planned to harm this individual.
The network's activities caused "significant harm to Israel's national security," according to a senior Shin Bet official. The suspects are expected to be indicted in the coming days for charges including espionage, aiding an enemy in wartime, and gathering intelligence on behalf of a hostile state.
News of the arrests comes amid a broader effort by Israel to counter growing threats from Iran and its regional proxies, including Hezbollah. The alleged spy network operated during a period of increased tension between Israel and Iran, with both countries engaged in extensive intelligence operations against each other. Israeli authorities have frequently claimed that Iranian agents and their proxies are attempting to gather intelligence and conduct operations within Israel.
The arrests also follow the September detention of an Israeli businessman accused of spying for Iran. The businessman allegedly traveled to Iran twice to discuss potential plans to assassinate senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.
Israeli authorities have suggested that the full extent of the Iranian espionage network may not yet be known, and investigations are ongoing. "There are other cases under investigation that we cannot disclose at this time," the state attorney said, hinting at the possibility of further arrests. The revelation that an Iranian spy ring had infiltrated Israeli society has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Israel's counterintelligence measures and highlighted the ongoing risk of Iranian influence within the country.
