In a sweeping intelligence operation, Israeli authorities arrested seven residents of East Jerusalem on suspicion of espionage and collaboration with Iranian intelligence, Israeli media reported Tuesday. The arrests follow Monday's detentions, marking a significant escalation in counterterrorism efforts to neutralize Iranian infiltration in Israel's capital.
A Web of Espionage Uncovered
According to sources within the Israeli police and the Shin Bet, the individuals arrested are between the ages of 17 and 23, all hailing from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Safafa. Shockingly, none of the suspects had prior criminal or security records. This highlights a concerning trend of seemingly ordinary citizens being lured into clandestine activities by hostile foreign actors like Iran.
Cleared for publication: A cell of seven residents of eastern Jerusalem was arrested by the Jerusalem police unit and the ISA on suspicion of planning to eliminate a nuclear scientist and a mayor in central Israel on behalf of Iran.https://t.co/GhJRqijhTb pic.twitter.com/jZH2ELRPCe
— Israel National News - Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) October 22, 2024
The main suspect, identified as Rami Alyan, is alleged to have acted as the linchpin in this cell. Alyan reportedly established contact with Iranian operatives and subsequently recruited six others to assist him in executing nefarious activities. According to reports, he confessed to his role in plotting terrorist acts, revealing that his motivations were driven by nationalist fervor and a desire to gain influence within Arab society. Alyan apparently believed that collaboration with Iranian elements would grant him power and status.
From Vandalism to High-Profile Assassination: The Iranian Pay-Per-Crime Scheme
Details emerging from the investigation paint a disturbing picture of how these young men were utilized by Iranian handlers. The Shin Bet revealed that the Iranian operatives tested their new recruits by assigning a series of "missions" designed to evaluate their loyalty and capabilities. These tasks, disturbingly casual in their nature, included petty acts like setting vehicles ablaze and defacing property with graffiti. However, the gravity of their actions quickly escalated, as these recruits also attempted to acquire grenades, ammunition, and even submachine guns.
More details on Jerusalem spy ring:
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 22, 2024
Israeli security forces have arrested seven Jerusalem Arabs recruited by Iran for missions against Israel. The spy network had plotted to assassinate an Israeli nuclear scientist and a central Israel mayor. The suspects, young men aged 19-23,… https://t.co/ptPpIX4EDL
But the most chilling revelation is how these missions were assigned a specific price tag, following a grim "price list" agreed upon by the suspects and their Iranian contacts. For example, setting fire to vehicles would net the recruits NIS 2,000 per vehicle, while obtaining firearms would pay out significantly more. More alarmingly, the Iranian handlers showed a keen interest in high-value targets within Israel. The suspects were reportedly instructed to gather intelligence on one of Israel’s central mayors, suggesting an evolving plan to carry out politically-motivated assassinations.
In a particularly horrifying twist, the suspects were allegedly promised up to NIS 200,000 for successfully assassinating one of Israel’s top nuclear scientists—an indication that Iranian ambitions extend far beyond simple espionage or sabotage, aiming directly at Israel's most crucial military and scientific infrastructure.
In yet another Iranian espionage case, seven East Jerusalem residents have been arrested on suspicion of planning attacks in Israel, including the assassination of an Israeli nuclear scientist and a mayor in central Israel.
— CYNN (@CYNN_Official) October 22, 2024
The suspects are all aged 19 to 23, officials in the… pic.twitter.com/3BaGYIcj0F
600 Espionage Missions Completed in Service of Iran
Perhaps the most shocking element of the investigation is the sheer scale of the espionage network uncovered. Prosecutors claim that the group completed over 600 missions for Iranian intelligence. These missions included gathering critical intelligence on Israeli military installations and infrastructure, as well as identifying potential human targets for the Islamic Republic. Key Israeli sites, including the Ramat David and Nevatim Airbases, were allegedly surveilled, as well as Glilot and the Golani Brigade Base.
The group is said to have operated with alarming efficiency, offering Iranian intelligence a direct pipeline into Israel's most sensitive military sites. Notably, four Israeli soldiers were killed at the Golani Brigade base in a Hezbollah drone attack last week—an attack that, chillingly, may have been facilitated by the intelligence gathered by these suspects.
Security services arrest 7 Arabs from Jerusalem recruited by Iran for missions against Israel.
— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) October 22, 2024
The spy network planned to kill an Israeli nuclear scientist & a central Israel mayor. The suspects were recruited online. via @N12News
Iran employs dozens & possibly hundreds of… pic.twitter.com/UrT4pcPPhY
The Coming Legal Battle
With indictments expected as soon as Wednesday, Israeli prosecutors are preparing to charge the group with aiding the enemy during wartime and conspiracy to commit terrorist acts. Alyan, the ringleader, is expected to face the most severe charges, while the rest of the cell will likely face prosecution for their roles in enabling Iran's malign activities.
This latest development underscores the ongoing Iranian efforts to undermine Israeli security from within. While previous espionage cases have involved foreign agents or more high-profile operatives, this case serves as a stark reminder that Iran’s ambitions to destabilize Israel run deep, exploiting vulnerable individuals in society to carry out their malevolent agenda.
Security services arrest 7 Arabs from Jerusalem recruited by Iran for missions against Israel; spy network planned to assassinate Israeli nuclear scientist & central Israel mayor; suspects were recruited online. via @N12News https://t.co/6RrL9fgzjj
— Israel Radar (@IsraelRadar_com) October 22, 2024
As Israel's security apparatus works tirelessly to dismantle these networks, this case represents a major success in thwarting Iran's relentless efforts to infiltrate Israeli society and its military apparatus. Authorities vow to continue their efforts to root out such sleeper cells and ensure the safety and security of all Israeli citizens.