A resident of Kiryat Yam, Shimon Azarzar, has been charged with espionage after allegedly gathering sensitive military information for Iranian intelligence. The indictment was filed on October 29, 2023, at the Haifa District Court, following his arrest alongside his girlfriend earlier that month. The investigation indicates that Azarzar acted under the direction of Iranian operatives, transmitting critical data over the course of a year.
According to the Shin Bet and Israel Police, Azarzar is accused of sending photographs and coordinates of strategic sites in Israel to his Iranian contacts. His girlfriend, who serves as a reservist in the Israeli Air Force, was allegedly used to collect additional intelligence on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) facilities and operations. The indictment includes charges of unauthorized contact with a foreign agent and offering classified material.
The authorities reported that Azarzar received payments through digital transfers for his activities. In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and police urged Israeli citizens to avoid contact with foreign elements from hostile states. They emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity, stating, “Israel’s security bodies will continue to identify and thwart terror and espionage activity in Israel, and will work to bring all those involved to justice.”
The investigation revealed that Azarzar had offered to provide information from inside military bases, exploiting his girlfriend’s access to classified operations and locations.
Second Suspect Arrested in Connection with Iranian Espionage
Just a week before Azarzar’s arrest, another individual was detained on similar charges related to espionage for Iranian intelligence. During a search of his residence, authorities discovered digital materials and 18 SIM cards used for communication with hostile agents. Despite the significant findings, the Magistrate’s Court released this second suspect without imposing house arrest.
Investigators indicated that this individual had photographed various sites, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Ganei Avraham Park in Tel Aviv, at the behest of an Iranian handler. He reportedly received thousands of shekels in cryptocurrency as compensation for his activities.
The ongoing investigations underscore the vigilance of Israeli security services in combating espionage and protecting national security. As authorities continue to scrutinize these cases, they remain committed to addressing threats posed by foreign intelligence operations.
