An 18-year-old Israeli from Ashdod was indicted on Thursday for allegedly engaging in espionage activities for Iranian intelligence, including an attempt to surveil former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during a recent hospital stay.
According to the indictment filed at the Central District Court in Lod, Moshe Attias made contact with Iranian agents via the Telegram messaging platform and agreed to perform various intelligence-gathering tasks in exchange for financial compensation.
These included photographing public areas, burning Israeli military uniforms and attempting to access the cardiology department of Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, where Bennett was undergoing a procedure on April 20.
Prosecutors allege that Attias conducted surveillance of the floor where Bennett was hospitalized, mapping the layout and monitoring security positions. He was reportedly intercepted by hospital security before reaching the former premier’s room.
Additional alleged activities included filming commercial centers, burning Israeli symbols and concealing communications equipment. Authorities say Attias used encrypted messaging, avoided digital tracking, and received approximately $1,800 in compensation, transferred via a digital wallet.
His attorney, Sagi Greenfeld, stated that Attias was unaware he was working on behalf of Iran and had no intention of compromising state security.
The State Attorney’s Office has requested that Attias remain in detention until legal proceedings conclude.
According to Kan News, this is the 19th known espionage operation in Israel linked to Iranian operatives.
