Haifa, Israel – In the months leading up to the Iranian ballistic missiles’ October strike on the Nevatim Airbase, Israel, Israel authorities claim that Iran dispatched spies to film and photograph the site, using allegedly “ordinary” individuals, including seven Israelis from Haifa, to carry out the missions.
According to the Israel Police, the suspected operatives were not highly trained, appeared suspicious, and struggled financially. Despite this, they managed to capture valuable targeting intelligence, providing Iran with essential information on the base and other strategic sites across Israel.
This is not an isolated incident, as over the past year, Israeli authorities have arrested more than 30 Israelis for allegedly carrying out missions for Iran, ranging from photographing military bases to plotting to kill senior Israeli officials. It is an unprecedented number, according to Israel Police Superintendent Maor Goren, who oversees counterintelligence investigations.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through Israel, as most of those arrested have been Jewish Israelis, a surprise given that Jewish citizens are typically imbued with a strong sense of patriotism and national pride.
The alleged Israeli operatives, including Azis Nisanov, were immigrants to Israel, with many struggling financially. Intelligence experts suggest that an immigrant background may make them easier targets for Iran’s recruitment efforts. Some were recruited through intermediaries, while others were approached on social media platforms, including Telegram.
The Iranian spies used tactics such as asking for “test missions” and compromised their targets, starting with small, easy-to-complete tasks that gradually increased in severity and danger. Their motivation was often monetary, with rewards ranging from $100 to $100,000.
Israel’s intelligence agencies, including the Shin Bet, have been working to uncover these alleged spy rings, using a combination of digital surveillance and undercover operations. They have arrested individuals accused of plotting to kill senior Israeli officials and other notable Israelis, as well as those tasked with photographing military bases and other strategic sites.
According to Oded Ailam, a former head of counterterrorism for the Mossad, this is a result of Iran’s “theory of the big numbers,” where they do not care about the outcome of their operations and are willing to use many operatives to achieve their goals. Iranian authorities have also arrested several of their own citizens, accusing them of spying for Israel or collaborating with its intelligence agency, Mossad.