Israeli Man Sentenced for Spying for Iran, Photographing Defense Minister's Home

The Haifa District Court has sentenced Fares Abu Al-Hija, 32, a resident of Kafr Kanna in northern Israel, to four years and seven months in prison, plus two years suspended, for contacting a foreign agent. Abu Al-Hija was convicted as part of a plea deal.

During his investigation, it was revealed that Abu Al-Hija was in contact with an individual he believed to be an Iranian intelligence operative. He allegedly received payment for various tasks, including gathering information intended to harm Israel's security. The Shin Bet identified the handler as an Iranian intelligence operative, and the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against Abu Al-Hija in the Haifa District Court.

Security officials noted a recent increase in Iranian efforts to recruit and operate individuals within Israel, particularly since operations "With All Your Might" and "Lion's Roar." The Shin Bet and police emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for cooperation with hostile elements and vowed to prosecute those involved in activities detrimental to national security and citizens.

While the article mentions the collection of information, it specifically notes that one of the tasks involved photographing the home of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, though this detail was not explicitly part of the charges leading to the conviction.