The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) has warned Tiberias Mayor Yossi Nevea that residents of the northern city are facing increased efforts by Iranian intelligence to recruit them for espionage, Kan News reported on Tuesday.
The warning followed concerns about possible contact between locals and Iranian operatives, including via social media platforms such as Telegram, according to the report.
Nevea released a video urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid assisting hostile entities. The municipality is also launching an information campaign to warn the public about such approaches.
Kan noted that six months ago, two Tiberias residents were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Iranian intelligence in exchange for payment.
Since the war triggered by the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli security forces have uncovered at least three dozen cases in which Tehran allegedly attempted to recruit Israelis.
The Shin Bet reported a 200% increase in overall counter-espionage operations from 2024 to 2025, with arrests and investigations linked to Iranian spying rising more than 30% over the same period.
