Galilee Man Arrested for Espionage for Lebanon-Based Enemy Agent

The Shin Bet security agency and the Lahav 433 anti-fraud and serious crimes unit have arrested Hamdan Hamdan, a 32-year-old resident of Majd al-Krum in the Galilee, on suspicion of severe security offenses, including contact with a foreign agent and carrying out missions for an enemy entity in Lebanon. Security officials announced the arrest on Friday, stating that an indictment is expected to be filed against him by the Coastal District Prosecutor's Office on Sunday.

According to the joint investigation by Lahav 433 and the Shin Bet, Hamdan maintained direct and continuous contact with a female agent from Lebanon for several months, fully aware of her identity and affiliation with an enemy state. Under her direction, he was tasked with performing various security missions within Israel. The investigation also revealed that as part of his compensation, the foreign entity attempted to pay him by purchasing various products in Israel and transferring them to him.

The security establishment reiterated its warning to Israeli citizens against any contact with hostile elements, emphasizing that intelligence and terror groups continue their efforts to recruit and operate Israelis for espionage and terror purposes, even during the current war. They highlighted that these efforts often occur through direct approaches on social media and that indirect payment methods, such as purchasing goods or online transfers, are used to disguise funding and bypass financial monitoring systems.

Hamdan's arrest is part of a series of thwarted recruitment and operational attempts by terror and intelligence organizations, particularly Hezbollah and entities associated with the 'Axis of Resistance' in Lebanon. These groups aim to exploit Israeli citizens for intelligence gathering, mapping sensitive sites, and carrying out sabotage operations within Israel.