Israeli Arab Man Arrested for Contacting Foreign Agent from Lebanon

The Shin Bet and Israel Police announced Friday the arrest of Hamdan Hamdan, a 32-year-old resident of Majd al-Krum, on suspicion of security offenses including "contact with a foreign agent and carrying out security missions under their direction." Investigations revealed that for several months, Hamdan was in contact with a foreign agent from Lebanon and was asked to perform security tasks under her guidance.

During the investigation, it emerged that Hamdan was aware he was communicating with an agent from Lebanon. Attempts were made to pay him for these tasks by purchasing goods in Israel and transferring them to him. The investigation was overseen by the Northern District Prosecution, and the arrest was the result of a joint operation by the National Unit for International Crime Investigations (יאחב"ל) of Lahav 433 and the General Security Service (Shin Bet).

A indictment is expected to be filed against Hamdan on Sunday. The police and Shin Bet issued a warning to Israeli citizens and residents against contacting foreign entities from enemy states or unidentified individuals, especially for the purpose of carrying out missions. They stated that such groups, including intelligence and terror elements from enemy states, continue their efforts to recruit and operate Israelis for security, espionage, and terror missions within Israel, even during the current war. These entities are also attempting to recruit Israelis through social media outreach.