Israeli Prosecution Seeks First-Ever Revocation of Terrorists' Citizenship Over Treason Charges

The Israeli State Prosecution has filed a groundbreaking request to revoke the citizenship of two security prisoners, Rani Of and Shadi Aidi, convicted of aiding the enemy and betraying state security. The request, submitted on Wednesday to the Central District Court, marks the first time citizenship revocation is pursued through criminal proceedings under the Citizenship Law for breach of loyalty. This move follows a directive from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who holds the Interior Ministry portfolio, and was approved by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Of and Aidi, former employees of the Israeli telecom company Cellcom, exploited their extensive access to the company’s IT and infrastructure systems to plan cyberattacks aimed at disabling Cellcom’s communication networks during wartime. Their actions were intended to assist Hamas by disrupting critical national communication infrastructure, including networks used by Israel’s security forces. Of maintained ongoing contact with senior Hamas officials in Turkey and, with Aidi’s help, transmitted sensitive information about Israel’s communication infrastructure and Cellcom’s cybersecurity measures.

Both men admitted to conspiring to assist the enemy in wartime and providing information with the intent to harm state security. Of was additionally convicted of espionage and contact with a foreign agent. In 2024, Of was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while Aidi received 5.5 years, both with suspended sentences and fines. The prosecution emphasized the severity of their offenses, describing their conduct as extreme cases of disloyalty and betrayal, with potential for significant damage through planned cyberattacks during military operations.

The prosecution stated that the citizenship revocation law is designed precisely for such cases, symbolizing a formal severance of the individuals’ ties to the state. Their prolonged, systematic, and ideologically motivated actions aimed to aid Israel’s worst enemies, intensifying the gravity of their betrayal. This unprecedented legal step underscores the state’s commitment to penalize severe breaches of loyalty that threaten national security.