Jerusalem, August 6, 2024 — Israeli security forces have uncovered a covert operation by Iranian intelligence agencies aimed at recruiting Israeli citizens for espionage activities. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the National Unit for International Investigations have arrested three Israeli citizens suspected of conducting security activities under the direction of Iranian intelligence.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for several months, revealed that Iranian intelligence operatives used social media platforms to approach and recruit Israeli citizens. The suspects were contacted by individuals posing as foreign entities, a known modus operandi of Iranian intelligence. The primary suspect, identified as 21-year-old Elimelech Stern from Beit Shemesh, was in contact with a Telegram user named “Anna Elena” who instructed him to carry out various tasks in Israel.
Tasks and Activities
Stern was tasked with several activities, including:
- Posting public notices in Tel Aviv
- Hiding money at various locations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
- Delivering packages containing threatening messages, such as a severed animal head and a doll with a knife, to the doorsteps of Israeli citizens
- Setting a forest on fire (which he did not carry out)
- Committing murder (which he also did not carry out)
Stern recruited two additional Israeli citizens to assist him with these tasks, offering them financial compensation. Payments were made in cryptocurrency, a method often used to obscure the trail of funds.
Modus Operandi
The Iranian intelligence agencies employed a sophisticated approach to recruit Israeli citizens. They used social media platforms such as Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and X to create fake profiles and job listings offering casual paid jobs. These approaches were made in multiple languages, including Hebrew and English, to maximize their reach.
Security Measures and Public Awareness
The Shin Bet and Israeli police have been monitoring and identifying numerous fake profiles used by Iranian operatives. Extensive information has been gathered on the entities behind these operations, revealing their attempts to exploit social media for espionage purposes.
A senior Israeli security official emphasized the importance of public vigilance in the digital age. “In this complex period, where the digital space is being used for intimidation, message transmission, or promoting terrorist activity under the guise of innocent activity, we recommend that the public be vigilant regarding approaches from unfamiliar sources and to avoid providing personal details and opening links from unidentified sources.”
The Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office has filed an indictment against Stern, charging him with contacting a foreign agent. The two additional citizens he recruited have been questioned and released, pending further decisions in their cases. Stern’s attorney, Oshri Ben Yishai, stated that Stern’s family is in shock and emphasized their loyalty to the state.
Broader Implications
This incident is part of a broader pattern of Iranian attempts to undermine Israel’s national security. Iranian intelligence agencies have been known to use social media to recruit individuals for seemingly innocent tasks that ultimately aim to harm Israel’s national resilience and war effort. The use of digital platforms provides a convenient and accessible method for these covert operations.
