Israel indicated today, Thursday, that the intelligence agency "Mossad" executed an operation in Iran to capture a suspect involved in planning an Iranian scheme to attack Israeli businessmen in Cyprus. The Mossad stated, "In a unique operation on Iranian soil, the Mossad arrested the head of a cell who, during interrogation, provided detailed confessions that led to the uncovering and dismantling of the terrorist cell that was set to carry out the attack in Cyprus."
The Mossad announced that "the suspect is Youssef Shahbazi Abas Alilu," noting that he "received detailed instructions and weapons from senior officials in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard" to execute such an attack. The Mossad did not provide any additional information regarding the plan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the Hatzrim Air Base in southern Israel today, stated that Israel is "working tirelessly" to thwart attempts by Iran and its agents to attack it, including attacks "in neighboring countries that are not in conflict with us." He added, "We will not accept Iran's intention to develop a nuclear arsenal," emphasizing that any nuclear agreement between the United States and Tehran will not be binding for Israel. He reaffirmed, "We reserve our right and commitment to defend ourselves, with our forces, against any threat whatsoever in the region."
