Israeli security agencies announced today, Tuesday, the arrest of three Israeli citizens on suspicion of engaging in security activities directed by Iranian intelligence agents, with a charge filed against one of them. According to the Hebrew website "Wynet," as part of an operation by the Shin Bet and the National Unit for International Investigations, an infrastructure of Iranian intelligence was uncovered, which had operated in recent months under the guise of foreign agencies to recruit Israeli citizens for various tasks within Israel.
The investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Elimelech Stern, a 21-year-old resident of Beit Shemesh, was communicating via the Telegram app using a profile name "Anna Elena," while being asked to perform various tasks in Israel. According to the investigations, Stern was instructed to post advertisements in Tel Aviv, deposit funds at various points in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, deliver packages containing a severed animal head or a doll alongside a knife and a threatening message, set forests on fire, among others. However, Stern agreed to carry out all tasks except for murder and arson.
To post the advertisements, bury the funds, and deliver the packages, Stern recruited other Israeli citizens, who performed some tasks in exchange for money. He also received a payment in cryptocurrency from "Anna Elena," according to "Wynet."
In this context, the Shin Bet and the police issued a statement confirming their commitment to continue uncovering Iranian activities in the areas of crime and psychological warfare, aimed at undermining Israel's national capacity and war efforts, fostering frustration, and exacerbating social divisions. An Israeli senior official said, "In this complex period, when the digital space is used for intimidation, message transmission, or promoting terrorist activity under the guise of innocent activities, we advise the public to be cautious about inquiries from unknown parties, avoid providing personal details, and refrain from opening links from unknown sources."
