Israeli Arab Arrested for Espionage on Behalf of Lebanon

An Israeli Arab resident of Majd al-Krum, identified as 32-year-old Hamdan Hamdan, has been arrested on suspicion of acting as an agent for Lebanon. According to a joint statement from the Shin Bet and the Israel Police, Hamdan was in contact with a foreign operative for several months and carried out security-related tasks under her direction. The payment for his alleged activities was reportedly channeled through attempts to purchase goods in Israel, which were then to be transferred to Hamdan.

Hamdan was apprehended in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the National Bureau for Counter-Terrorism Financing and Serious International Crime, part of the Lahav 433 unit. Investigators believe Hamdan was fully aware that he was communicating with a foreign agent operating from Lebanese territory.

A coastal district prosecutor's office is expected to file an indictment against Hamdan on Sunday for security offenses, including contact with a foreign agent and performing tasks under their guidance. Security officials noted that intelligence and terror elements from enemy states continue systematic efforts to recruit and operate Israelis for security, espionage, and terror missions within Israel, even during the current conflict. They emphasized that these elements often use social media to initiate contact with potential recruits.