Israeli security authorities have indicted a 23-year-old Tiberias resident on charges of collaborating with Iranian intelligence operatives and carrying out missions on their behalf for financial gain, according to a joint statement released by the Israel Police and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Yosef Ein Eli, was detained last September in a coordinated operation by the Israel Police’s Lahav 433 International Crime Investigations Unit and the Shin Bet.
Investigators allege that Eli had been in contact with Iranian intelligence agents since late 2024 and conducted multiple intelligence-gathering activities for payment.
Authorities say Eli exploited his employment at a Dead Sea hotel to photograph and transmit information about the area’s hotels to his Iranian handlers. He also provided details about tourist sites in southern Israel.
Iranian operatives instructed him to perform additional missions, which he did not carry out, including collecting intelligence on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, forming an operational cell inside Israel, throwing a grenade at a house, providing data on criminal networks and Israeli soldiers, and photographing military bases.
Investigators said Eli received substantial sums via digital payments for his activities. Following the probe, an indictment was filed Sunday in the Beersheba District Court charging him with severe security offenses.
Police and the Shin Bet reiterated warnings to Israeli citizens and residents against engaging with foreign or hostile entities, emphasizing that those who do so for financial or ideological motives will face legal action.
Security forces pledged continued vigilance in countering Iranian attempts to recruit Israeli civilians for espionage and subversion.
