Two Israelis arrested on suspicion of working for Iranian intelligence
Israeli authorities announced on Monday the arrest of two Israelis suspected of working for Iranian intelligence operatives.
In a joint statement, the police and the Shin Bet security service reported the arrest of two Israeli citizens, residents of Ness Ziona and Beit Oved, on suspicion of working for Iranian intelligence operatives.
The statement added: “In a joint operation between the General Security Service and the police last March, Shagai Haik (19), an Israeli citizen from Ness Ziona, was arrested on suspicion of communicating with Iranian elements and carrying out tasks under their direction”.
The statement explained that during Haik’s interrogation, it was revealed that he had been in contact for months with an “Iranian foreign agent” via social media networks, noting that he “agreed to receive training in an Arab country (which he didn’t name) and to recruit other people to carry out tasks under his direction”.
He stated that Haik also admitted that he “helped another young man, named Assaf Shtrit (21) from Beit Oved, carry out a mission for the foreign agent, and therefore he was also arrested for questioning by the General Security Service (Shin Bet)”.
He noted that “a serious indictment is expected to be filed on Monday against the two individuals before the Lod Central Court”.
In recent years, Israeli authorities have repeatedly announced the arrest of dozens of Israelis on charges of spying for Iranian agents in exchange for money.
