Israeli citizens Roi Mizrachi and Almog Attias were caught placing a suspected explosive device near Defense Minister Israel Katz’s residence as part of an Iranian espionage operation that highlights Iran’s escalating proxy warfare against Israel.
Key Takeaways
- Two Israeli citizens, motivated by financial gain, were arrested for conducting intelligence gathering operations near Defense Minister Israel Katz’s home on behalf of Iran
- The suspects handled what is believed to be an explosive device and used specialized communication apps to maintain contact with Iranian handlers
- This case is part of a broader trend of Iranian recruitment of financially vulnerable Israeli citizens for espionage since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023
- Defense Minister Katz responded that these threats will not deter Israel’s efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
- Multiple similar cases have emerged recently, including an 18-year-old Israeli arrested for spying on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
Iranian Espionage Network Targeting Israeli Officials
Israeli security forces have uncovered yet another Iranian espionage operation within Israel’s borders, as two Israeli citizens were arrested for conducting surveillance near Defense Minister Israel Katz’s residence. The suspects, identified as 24-year-olds Roi Mizrachi and Almog Attias, were detained in late April following a joint operation by Israeli police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. The men were reportedly conducting intelligence gathering activities in Kfar Ahim, where Defense Minister Katz resides, and were allegedly tasked with handling what authorities believe was an explosive device intended for a potential assassination attempt.
“In a joint operation… Roi Mizrachi and his friend, Almog Attias, both 24, were arrested at the end of April for committing security offences after collecting intelligence in Kfar Ahim,” reported Police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency.
Shin Bet Claims Arrest of 18-Year-Old Israeli for Spying for #Iran#Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, has claimed the arrest of an 18-year-old Israeli citizen on charges of espionage for Iran and collecting sensitive information about …https://t.co/yxP9xwCekG
— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) May 18, 2025
Financial Vulnerability Exploited by Iranian Intelligence
According to Israeli authorities, the two suspects were primarily motivated by financial compensation offered by their Iranian handlers. This pattern of targeting financially vulnerable Israelis has become increasingly common in Iran’s espionage operations. The men were reportedly aware they were working “on behalf of Iran” and willingly participated in intelligence gathering activities that included surveillance of the defense minister’s hometown. The suspects used sophisticated operational security measures, including a newly purchased cellphone equipped with a special application for communicating with their Iranian handlers.
“On behalf of Iran,” The men were acting.
The investigation revealed that Mizrachi and Attias were assigned specific tasks, including relocating a bag believed to contain an explosive device. This alarming development suggests Iran’s proxy operations have evolved from mere intelligence gathering to potential assassination plots targeting high-ranking Israeli officials. Indictments against both suspects are expected to be filed soon, with Israeli authorities treating these incidents as serious national security threats amid the ongoing regional tensions following the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023.
Pattern of Iranian Recruitment Since Gaza Conflict
The arrests of Mizrachi and Attias represent just the latest in a series of similar cases uncovered by Israeli security forces. Recently, an 18-year-old Israeli was arrested for allegedly spying on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on behalf of Iran. Other cases have involved Israeli citizens tasked with photographing military bases or plotting to assassinate senior Israeli officials. Security experts note that most of these recruited spies lack special training and were primarily enticed by financial offers, suggesting Iran is casting a wide net to exploit vulnerable individuals rather than deploying professional operatives.
“I will not be deterred by any threat and will continue to fulfil my duty to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” declared Defence Minister Katz in response to the arrests.
The Israeli security establishment has heightened protective measures around senior officials in response to these threats. The ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Israeli and Iranian intelligence services highlights the shadow war being waged alongside the more visible conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. President Trump’s administration has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian aggression, viewing Tehran’s proxy operations as part of its broader destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East that threaten American allies and interests in the region.
