An Israeli man in his 30s from Bat Yam was arrested for allegedly engaging with Iranian intelligence and conducting security-related missions for payment. This follows increased Iranian recruitment efforts targeting Israelis through social media during ongoing conflicts.

• 01The suspect was arrested in May 2026 after a joint investigation by the Israel Police and Shin Bet.
• 02He allegedly contacted an Iranian official via social media in late 2025, agreeing to perform missions for financial compensation.
• 03Israeli authorities have warned citizens against engaging with foreign agents, citing serious legal violations and security risks.
• 04The Shin Bet reported a significant increase in Iranian recruitment attempts during the war, with 25 indictments for spying in 2025.
• 05Recent incidents include a 14-year-old Israeli indicted for assignments for Iranian handlers and another arrest in Tel Aviv for photographing sensitive sites.

The arrest highlights ongoing security threats posed by foreign intelligence agencies, particularly during heightened conflict periods.