Israeli Arab Arrested for Espionage on Behalf of Lebanon Agent

An Israeli Arab resident of Majd al-Krum, identified as 32-year-old Hamdan Hamdan, has been arrested on suspicion of acting under the direction of an agent from Lebanon. The Shin Bet and Israel Police announced jointly that Hamdan was in contact with the foreign operative for months, carrying out security-related tasks.

Hamdan was apprehended recently in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the National Bureau for Serious and International Crimes Investigation. The investigation revealed that Hamdan was aware he was communicating with a foreign agent operating from Lebanon and was instructed to perform various security missions.

Payment for Hamdan's alleged activities was reportedly attempted through indirect means, with the foreign operative trying to purchase goods in Israel and then transfer them to Hamdan. The investigation has been conducted with close supervision from the Coastal District Prosecutor's Office.

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 and recruit Israelis.