Photo: depositphotos.
In the Israeli capital, the Shin Bet and police detained a local resident who, under the control of Iranian intelligence services, planned to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in Israel. As a result of the joint operation, 23-year-old Ardler Amuel, a native of Jerusalem, was arrested on suspicion of espionage and preparation of acts of violence.This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, according to Israel’s Channel 7
Iranian recruitment network in Israel
The investigation revealed that Amouel had been in contact with Iranian intelligence representatives via social media since October. At first, he communicated with a person known as “Ariana”, and later was transferred to a higher level – to an agent with the nickname “John”. Despite knowing that he was working for Iranian intelligence, Amuel agreed to perform tasks that included gathering information, photographing sites, and even organising acts of vandalism in various parts of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Threats to Israel’s security and terrorist plans
Other tasks assigned to the suspect included applying political graffiti containing calls for violence, photographing strategically important sites and buildings, and collecting materials for making explosives. Amouel bought a GoPro camera to document his missions and even filmed a video of a car being set on fire to send to his handlers in Iran.
Investigating his activity, law enforcement officers found that the suspect was also looking for information on weapons and explosives, including guns, silencers and instructions for the production of explosives. Subsequently, he was instructed to recruit others to participate in terrorist acts. He was even asked to burn down a police car and cut off the light rail in Jerusalem.
Payment for terrorist activities in cryptocurrency
He performed all these criminal tasks in return for financial rewards, which came in the form of cryptocurrency from Iranian handlers. Thus, Amuel became part of a wider recruitment operation aimed at undermining Israel’s security with the help of traitors among the local population.
Countering threats to national security
As of 17 December, the prosecutor has filed an official statement against Amuel, and the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office plans to file an indictment with the local court in the near future. The Israeli authorities have already stated that the case once again highlights the seriousness of the threat posed by foreign intelligence services attempting to use Israeli citizens to conduct espionage and terrorist activities.
Shabak representatives noted that this investigation is further evidence of Iran’s attempts to recruit Israelis by offering them financial rewards for treason and cooperation with foreign agents.
Statement by the Israel Police and Shabak
The Israeli police also stressed the importance of continuing to combat terrorist threats within the country, emphasising that spying for an enemy state in wartime is not only a crime but also a betrayal of national interests. “The Shabak and the Israel Police continue to coordinate efforts to protect the safety of citizens and prevent such acts of terror,” the law enforcement agency said in a statement.
This incident demonstrates the growing danger posed by Iranian agents and their local partners, who are trying to undermine stability in Israel by using Israeli citizens in their terrorist schemes.
