Two Israeli citizens were caught conducting Iranian-directed espionage missions near Defense Minister Israel Katz’s residence, potentially placing explosives as part of an assassination plot that highlights Iran’s escalating proxy war against Israel from within.
Key Takeaways
- Roi Mizrachi and Almog Attias, both 24, were arrested in late April for conducting surveillance operations near Defense Minister Israel Katz’s home at the direction of Iranian handlers.
- The suspects were tasked with moving what was believed to be an explosive device and used special communication methods to connect with their Iranian controllers.
- These arrests are part of a growing pattern of Iranian recruitment of financially struggling Israelis for espionage and potential assassination plots since the Gaza conflict began.
- Defense Minister Katz remains defiant, stating the threats will not deter him from preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.
- Israeli security services have uncovered multiple Iranian espionage operations targeting senior officials, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Iran’s Growing Internal Threat to Israeli Security
Israeli authorities have unveiled a disturbing security breach as two citizens were arrested for allegedly gathering intelligence for Iran near Defense Minister Israel Katz’s residence. The suspects, identified as Roi Mizrachi and Almog Attias, both 24 years old, were detained in late April following a joint operation between Israeli police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. According to security officials, the pair conducted surveillance activities in Kfar Ahim, Katz’s hometown, motivated primarily by financial rewards offered by their Iranian handlers.
“In a joint operation… Roi Mizrachi and his friend, Almog Attias, both 24, were arrested at the end of April for committing security offences after collecting intelligence in Kfar Ahim,” stated the Police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency.
The suspects were “acting on behalf of Iran,” investigators revealed, showing that Tehran’s intelligence operations have penetrated deeply into Israeli society. Most concerning was the discovery that the operatives were tasked with moving what security officials believe was a bag containing an explosive device, suggesting this was potentially part of an assassination plot rather than mere intelligence gathering. Mizrachi established communications with Iranian handlers using a newly purchased cellphone equipped with a special application designed to evade detection.
Shin Bet Claims Arrest of 18-Year-Old Israeli for Spying for #Iran#Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, has claimed the arrest of an 18-year-old Israeli citizen on charges of espionage for Iran and collecting sensitive information about …https://t.co/yxP9xwCekG
— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) May 18, 2025
Pattern of Iranian Recruitment Targets Vulnerable Israelis
This case represents part of a disturbing trend that has accelerated since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023. Israeli security services have documented multiple instances of Iranian intelligence recruiting financially struggling Israeli citizens to conduct espionage and potentially carry out attacks against government officials and military installations. Most recruits lacked specialized training but were exploited due to economic hardships, showing Iran’s opportunistic approach to building an intelligence network within Israel.
“I will not be deterred by any threat and will continue to fulfil my duty to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” declared Defence Minister Katz in response to the arrests.
The latest arrests follow an equally troubling case involving an 18-year-old Israeli citizen who was detained for allegedly spying on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at Iran’s direction. Other recently uncovered Iranian operations included attempts to photograph sensitive military bases and plot assassinations against senior Israeli officials. Security experts note that Iran has intensified its intelligence operations against Israel while simultaneously supporting proxy forces like Hamas and Hezbollah in direct military confrontations.
Escalating Security Concerns Amid Regional Tensions
Israeli security services have dramatically increased protective measures around high-profile government officials in response to these threats. The cases involving Mizrachi and Attias have particularly alarmed officials because they indicate Iran’s willingness to target Israel’s defense leadership directly. Indictments against both suspects are expected to be filed imminently, with prosecutors likely to pursue severe penalties for espionage activities that potentially threatened national security at the highest levels.
President Trump’s administration has consistently warned about Iran’s destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East, and these arrests provide further evidence of Tehran’s aggressive stance against America’s strongest regional ally. The discovery of these Iranian operations within Israel demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the threat posed by the Iranian regime, combining conventional military support for terrorist organizations with covert intelligence operations targeting Israeli leadership. Israeli security services continue to investigate potential connections to other Iranian cells operating within the country.
