Israeli authorities have arrested a citizen who was allegedly recruited by Iranian intelligence to orchestrate the assassination of high-profile Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
According to a joint statement from Israel’s police and the Shin Bet, the suspect had been smuggled into Iran on multiple occasions, where he received payments and instructions from Iranian agents.
The individual, identified as a businessman with ties to both Turkey and Iran, first visited Iran in May 2024 after being introduced to an Iranian businessman named Eddie.
During his stay, he also met a figure known as Hajjah, believed to be linked to Iranian security services. These contacts tasked him with gathering intelligence and carrying out missions, such as smuggling money or weapons into Israel and photographing crowded areas.
Investigations revealed that he made a second trip to Iran in August, during which he was again smuggled in.
While there, he met additional Iranian intelligence operatives and was asked to advance plans for terrorist attacks in Israel, including assassination attempts on Israeli officials.
The plot was reportedly driven, in part, by Iran’s desire for revenge over the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, an act for which Iran holds Israel responsible.
Apart from assassination plans, the suspect was instructed to attempt recruiting members of Israel’s Mossad as double agents.
He requested a $1 million advance for his cooperation but was instead paid 5,000 euros during the meetings.
The case, according to Israeli officials, highlights the lengths to which Iranian intelligence is willing to go to foster terror within Israel by recruiting its citizens.
Despite the suspect’s alleged involvement, Israeli authorities have not disclosed whether any of the missions were successfully carried out.
