Israeli Arab Ambulance Driver Arrested for Espionage on Behalf of Iran

Israeli authorities have charged Amir Hisham Muhammad Titi, a 34-year-old Israeli Arab from Bana in northern Israel, with conducting intelligence operations for Iranian agents. Titi, who worked as an ambulance driver, exploited his unrestricted access to hospitals across Israel to gather and transmit information and photographs about hospital preparedness during both routine and emergency situations.

Investigations by the Shin Bet and the Northern District Police revealed that Titi also documented President Isaac Herzog during a hospital visit in Nahariya. Additionally, he was tasked with filming various locations, including the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv where he recorded a protester holding signs with hostage images, a demonstration in Haifa's Horev Center, and the community of Amikam in the Sharon region, where former Defense Minister Yoav Galant resides.

According to the indictment filed by the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office through attorney Yehuda Dayan, Titi received tens of thousands of shekels for his activities, paid through family members' bank accounts and digital wallets. The Shin Bet and police have warned the public about enemy attempts to recruit Israeli citizens for covert or overt missions and urged vigilance.

The arrest was carried out by the tactical unit of the Border Police following a joint investigation. This case highlights ongoing Iranian intelligence efforts within Israel and the risks posed by individuals exploiting professional roles for espionage.