Israel Arrests Seven Citizens of Azeri Origin for Spying for Iran in Over 600 Missions

Oct 21, 2024, 11:33 AM

Israeli security forces have arrested seven Israeli citizens of Azeri origin suspected of spying for Iran, police announced on Monday. The suspects, all Jewish residents of Haifa and northern Israel, including a soldier who deserted the military and two minors, allegedly conducted over 600 missions for Iranian intelligence over a period of two years. Operated by an Iranian agent via Russian contacts, they reportedly gathered information and photographed sensitive military sites, such as IDF bases, airbases, Iron Dome missile defense batteries, and energy infrastructure. Some of these sites were subsequently targeted in Iranian missile attacks during recent strikes on Israel. The arrests are considered one of the most serious espionage cases in Israel's history. The suspects reportedly received cryptocurrency payments for their activities, and indictments are expected to be filed against them on Friday.