Israel Uncovers Extensive Iranian Spy Network Involving Dozens of Citizens Including Senior Targets
Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023, Israeli authorities have arrested dozens of citizens accused of spying for Iran. The first high-profile arrest was in September 2024, when Motty (Mordechai) Maman, 72, from Ashkelon, was detained for contact with a foreign agent after being recruited by Iran to promote assassinations of top Israeli officials including the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Shin Bet head. Maman had traveled twice to Iran to discuss potential terror acts on Israeli soil.
Subsequent cases revealed a wide range of espionage activities. In October 2024, indictments were filed against Vladislav Viktorson, 30, and Anna Bernstein, 18, residents of Ramat Gan, who carried out tasks such as planting money and arson, and agreed to assassinate an Israeli figure. Other arrests involved seven Israelis of Azerbaijani origin, including a father and son, and young suspects from Jerusalem accused of plotting to assassinate an Israeli nuclear scientist and a city mayor.
Additional cases exposed individuals surveilling senior officials, including former Defense Minister Israel Katz and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, as well as military bases. Some suspects were tasked with arson, graffiti against the government, and planting animal heads at diplomatic residences. Notably, a 13-year-old Israeli boy was recruited via Telegram to perform tasks for Iranian agents.
Several suspects served in the IDF or held security-clearance positions, enabling access to classified information. Arrests also extended to individuals linked to Hezbollah. The investigations uncovered a complex Iranian intelligence network exploiting Israeli citizens, including immigrants from the Caucasus and Russia.
In August 2026, a couple from Ashkelon, Tamirlan Amshukov and Alina Kushnirenko, were indicted for systematic intelligence gathering on security personnel residences and critical infrastructure in cities such as Ashdod, Beersheba, Haifa, and Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl. Their arrest prevented a planned mission in Beersheba. The ongoing revelations highlight Iran’s persistent efforts to infiltrate Israeli society and target key figures and infrastructure.
Summary: Since late 2023, Israeli authorities have arrested dozens of citizens spying for Iran, including a 72-year-old recruited to plot assassinations of top officials. The network involved surveillance, arson, and assassination plans targeting senior politicians, military personnel, and critical infrastructure across Israel. Recent indictments reveal systematic intelligence gathering by Iranian agents exploiting Israeli citizens, including minors and military personnel.
