Israel arrests Jerusalem resident over spying, plotting attacks for Iran

Israeli officials announced the arrest on Tuesday of a 23-year-old Jerusalem resident on suspicion of spying for Iran and plotting what they called terrorist attacks inside Israel.

Erdler Amoyal was contacted in October via social media by an agent identifying as Ariana, before being introduced to another handler, John, according to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).

“This investigation once again reveals the efforts of Iranian intelligence agencies in attempting to recruit Israeli citizens for the purpose of promoting espionage and terrorist activities,” a Shin Bet official said.

Despite knowing the operatives represented a hostile state, Amoyal agreed to carry out tasks, including surveillance and writing graffiti in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, featuring phrases such as We Make Peace and Sinwar.

The Shin Bet said that Amoyal sought bomb-making materials, watched tutorials on constructing explosives, and attempted to acquire a firearm with a silencer.

He also proposed attacks targeting Israeli infrastructure, including setting a police vehicle on fire and cutting electricity to the Jerusalem light rail.

Payments for these missions were made through cryptocurrency, authorities said.

The announcement follows several arrests in recent months tied to alleged Iranian plots.

Earlier this month, three northern Israel residents were detained on similar charges.

In October, seven Arabs from East Jerusalem were arrested by security forces on suspicion of plotting to assassinate scientists and senior Israeli officials on behalf of the Iranian government.

In September, Moti Maman, a 73-year-old Jewish businessman from the southern coastal city of Ashkelon, was arrested on allegations of meeting with Iranian intelligence operatives and aiding them in planning high-profile assassinations, including that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the Shin Bet, Maman even traveled to Iran twice this year, where he requested $1 million as an advance payment for a series of missions.

The longstanding enmity between Iran and Israel has deepened in recent months, marked by a series of escalating confrontations across multiple fronts.

Iran's support for proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and militias in Syria has heightened tensions, as Israel continues to carry out targeted strikes against Iranian-linked assets in the region to curb Tehran's influence.

The two regional powerhouses have also exchanged direct blows in two rounds of tit-for-tat attacks that carry the risk of all-out war.

Iran has intensified its rhetoric and expanded its cyber and covert operations targeting Israeli interests.