The Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) has issued a rare warning to residents of Bat Yam about ongoing Iranian efforts to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage, Hebrew media reported on Tuesday.
The mayor of the seaside city south of Tel Aviv, Tzvika Brot, relayed the warning to residents on Tuesday, according to Israel’s Channel 12 News. There have been many cases since the start of the war on Oct. 7, 2023, and the recruiting attempts are ongoing, he said.
“The Iranians have arrived in Bat Yam and this is no joke—so listen to the end. Recently, we have been in contact with security officials, especially the Israel Security Agency, regarding the possibility that our residents will fall into the Iranian intelligence network and cooperate with them due to all the messages they send to our phones,” said Brot.
“We have recently been hearing in the media about normative people, even reserve soldiers, outstanding students and retirees, who thought they would make easy money—and perhaps carry out actions that they thought would cause no harm at all. Later, they were also convinced to do other actions, such as moving a package from place to place,” he continued.
“Currently, we know that there are also residents of Bat Yam who are currently maintaining such connections. They are endangering not only Israel’s security, but also their own personal future. These are very serious offenses, and anyone arrested by the Shin Bet will cause themselves irreversible damage. Our goal right now is to prevent them from making this mistake,” he said.
Brot urged anyone who has been contacted, or has already participated in such exchanges, to come forward before it is too late, noting the serious legal and personal consequences involved. Authorities have opened a special WhatsApp hotline for confidential reporting and assistance.
