Israeli Woman Accused of Spying for Iran Released to House Arrest

Anna Bernstein, who presented herself as a social media influencer and is accused in one of Israel's most serious espionage cases, was released to house arrest on Tuesday after nearly two years in prison. Bernstein was only 18 years old when the case broke.

Bernstein is accused alongside Vladislav Viktorsov of carrying out a series of paid tasks for an Iranian agent. Among other things, they are alleged to have spray-painted addresses, hidden money, attempted to corrupt ATMs, and set fire to vehicles.

In addition to these tasks, Viktorsov is accused of advancing two assassination plots against senior Israeli officials and attempting to acquire a grenade and a sniper rifle for these purposes. According to the details, Bernstein was fully informed of the assassination plan.

During her interrogation, Bernstein admitted that she understood she was dealing with a "dangerous terrorist" but chose to "close her eyes" and continue her actions. The prosecution opposed her transfer to house arrest, arguing that the facility she would be transferred to allows women to leave and use phones.

Despite the prosecution's objections, the court decided to order Bernstein's release to house arrest, nearly two years after she was imprisoned in connection with the case.