In a joint operation by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Jerusalem Police’s Central Unit, a terrorist plot orchestrated by Iranian intelligence agents was uncovered in recent weeks. They attempted to recruit an East Jerusalem resident to carry out attacks and acts of sabotage in Israel—including an attempt to murder Jews in central Israel.
The suspect, a man in his 30s from the Issawiya neighborhood, was arrested following a covert and sophisticated investigation. Authorities discovered he was acting on behalf of Iran and had already begun executing assigned missions.
Investigation Findings
According to the investigation, the suspect had established contact with a foreign agent and was instructed to carry out a range of activities in Jerusalem. These included: hanging propaganda signs, gathering intelligence on sensitive sites such as the Western Wall and Mahane Yehuda market, and burning IDF uniforms—all in exchange for money transferred to him.
Tasks Assigned by the Iranians
His missions also included setting a forest fire, attempting to smuggle weapons into the West Bank, and planning a deadly terror attack in central Israel.
He even tried to recruit family members to assist in carrying out these tasks, including offering to enlist his own mother for thousands of shekels. Upon his arrest, authorities found cash, spray paint, two Airsoft pistols, and a substance suspected to be drugs in his home. After building a solid evidentiary case, a prosecutor’s statement was filed, and an indictment is expected soon.
The Shin Bet and Israel Police emphasized that this is yet another attempt by Iran to operate agents and civilians within Israel—including East Jerusalem residents—for the purpose of conducting terrorist activities from within Israeli territory. The security establishment reiterated its commitment to relentlessly pursue such threats and bring all collaborators with foreign terror elements to justice.
