The Israeli National Security Council (NSC) has issued a grave warning to citizens, urging heightened vigilance in light of increasingly sophisticated attempts by Iranian proxies to target Israelis abroad. These schemes, often shrouded in the guise of professional opportunities, aim to lure unsuspecting individuals into dangerous traps.

A Brazen Plot Uncovered

In a recent chilling example, an Israeli businessman was approached on Telegram by an individual impersonating an employee of the Persian-language version of Al Arabiya news outlet. Under the pretext of conducting an interview about “the Iranian regime,” the target was invited to Dubai for a meeting. The businessman, suspecting foul play, alerted the NSC. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the supposed contact had infected his phone with malware designed to hack into his device and potentially compromise sensitive information.

This incident underscores the lengths to which Iranian elements are willing to go, leveraging technology and deception to infiltrate Israeli networks and gain access to confidential data.

המטה לביטחון לאומי מבקש לחדד לציבור כי איראן מגבירה את מאמציה לקדם פגיעה באזרחים ישראלים בחו"ל על ידי משיכתם לפגישות במדינות שונות בעולם.

גורמי טרור איראניים ניסו לאחרונה לקדם מבצע למשיכתו של איש עסקים ישראלי לאיחוד האמירויות הערביות, לשם מימוש פגיעה בו.https://t.co/STtLpIK7XD pic.twitter.com/6hH9KdZmom

— ראש ממשלת ישראל (@IsraeliPM_heb) January 14, 2025

A String of Sinister Operations

This is not an isolated case. The NSC’s statement highlighted a troubling trend of Iranian operatives targeting Israelis online. These actors use fake identities and compelling narratives to build trust before making their move. From fraudulent business propositions to academic collaborations, the methods are as diverse as they are dangerous.

Recent incidents include:

1. Murder in the UAE: In November, Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan Chabad emissary based in the United Arab Emirates, was brutally kidnapped and murdered. Investigations revealed that the perpetrators, three Uzbek nationals, were recruited by Iranian operatives to carry out the heinous crime.
2. Targeting Journalists: Iranian-Israeli journalist Babak Itzhaki disclosed last month that he narrowly escaped a plot by Iranian paramilitary forces. The scheme aimed to lure him to Turkey and subsequently smuggle him into Iran for purposes likely involving interrogation or worse.
3. Espionage Recruitment: Israeli authorities have uncovered numerous attempts by Iranian proxies to recruit Israelis online for espionage activities. These efforts have ranged from gathering intelligence on Israeli facilities to orchestrating attacks against prominent figures. While some recruits were deceived into compliance, others knowingly collaborated in exchange for financial incentives.

A Widening Threat

Since September 2024, Israel has seen a surge in arrests related to espionage and subversive activities linked to Iranian proxies. The NSC’s revelations paint a picture of a determined adversary that is constantly innovating to exploit digital platforms and human vulnerabilities.

Israel announces that the Islamic regime in Iran is increasing its efforts to harm or kidnap Israeli citizens abroad by luring them to meetings in various countries. As part of this, regime terrorists recently attempted an operation to lure an Israeli businessman to the UAE, in…

— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) January 14, 2025

Official Advisory: Vigilance is Paramount

The NSC has urged all Israeli citizens to exercise extreme caution when interacting with unknown contacts online. Key recommendations include:

• Avoid sharing personal details with unverified individuals.
• Do not disclose travel plans or professional engagements without thoroughly verifying the other party's identity.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to the Foreign Ministry or the NSC.

These precautions are not merely advisable; they are essential in an era where cyber and physical threats are deeply intertwined.

This Is How Iranians Attempted to Kidnap an Israeli Businessman in Dubai | The Method – and Public Warnings

The National Security Council warns: Iran is increasing its efforts to harm Israelis abroad.

The council revealed that Iranian operatives posed as reporters from "Al… pic.twitter.com/vMDY0RTdn8

— Jony (Israel News Pulse) (@israelnewspulse) January 14, 2025

Conclusion

The persistent and evolving efforts of Iranian proxies highlight the importance of national awareness and individual vigilance. The NSC’s swift response to recent threats underscores Israel’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens from harm. As Iranian operatives continue to devise new strategies, Israelis must remain resolute and alert, ensuring that such plots are thwarted at every turn.

This campaign of deception and intimidation is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by Iran’s malign influence and the need for collective resilience in the face of adversity.