Man indicted for surveilling senior official on suspected Iranian intelligence instruction

Authorities did not publicly identify the senior official who was allegedly targeted; Israeli media reports identified him as former defense minister Yoav Gallant.

A resident of northern Israel was indicted on Monday on charges of collecting intelligence on a senior Israeli official, allegedly at the direction of an Iranian intelligence operative, in what security officials described as part of a broader pattern of Tehran-backed recruitment efforts inside Israel.

According to a joint statement from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) andIsrael Police, Fares Abu al-Hijja, a resident of Kaukab Abu al-Hijja (Kaukab) near Nazareth, was detained for questioning in recent weeks after being caught in the midst of carrying out an intelligence-gathering assignment targeting a “senior personality.”

During Abu al-Hijja’s interrogation, investigators obtained information indicating that he had been in contact with a foreign agent and had assessed that the individual was affiliated with Iranian intelligence. He allegedly received payment in exchange for carrying out various assignments, including collecting intelligence intended to harm state security.

The foreign contact was subsequently identified by the Shin Bet as an Iranian intelligence operative, the statement said.

Authorities did not publicly identify the senior official who was allegedly targeted; Israeli media reports identified him as former defense minister Yoav Gallant.

Security officials have repeatedly warned in recent years of escalating Iranian efforts to recruit Israeli citizens – both Jewish and Palestinian – through social media and encrypted messaging platforms, often offering financial incentives in exchange for seemingly minor tasks that can escalate into more serious security offenses.

In several cases reported over the past two years, individuals were initially asked to photograph public sites, spray graffiti, distribute flyers, or gather information about security installations and public figures, before being encouraged to carry out more severe acts.

The Shin Bet and police noted in their statement that recruitment attempts have intensified in recent years, especially since the 12-day war with Iran back in June.

Iranian spies target Israelis amid internal tensions

Security officials said Iranian elements are increasingly attempting to exploit internal tensions and economic vulnerabilities in order to enlist Israelis in intelligence or sabotage activity.

Courts have handed down a growing number of indictments tied to Iranian-directed espionage schemes. In previous cases, suspects were accused of photographing military bases, tracking the movements of public officials, or planning attacks in exchange for thousands of dollars transferred through intermediaries or cryptocurrency.

Security officials stress that even preliminary cooperation with hostile foreign actors constitutes a grave offense under Israeli law, regardless of whether the planned activity ultimately materializes.

“The Shin Bet and Israel Police view with utmost severity any involvement in activity of this kind,” the joint statement said, adding that authorities will continue to act decisively to bring to justice those involved in harming the security of the state and its citizens.

Abu al-Hijja remains in custody following the filing of the indictment.