Israeli man planned to train in Arab country to spy for Iran

Two Israeli men arrested for allegedly working as Iranian spies, with one of the two agreeing to undergo training in an Arab country.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli security forces have arrested two Israeli citizens on suspicion of acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence in a case that authorities say reflects continued efforts by hostile actors to recruit Israelis for missions against the state.

In a joint statement, the Shin Bet security agency and the central district major crimes unit of the Israel Police said the two suspects are residents of Ness Ziona and Beit Oved.

One of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Sagi Hayek of Ness Ziona, was arrested in March 2026 on suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian operatives and carrying out tasks under their direction.

According to the statement, investigators found that Hayek had been in contact for several months with an Iranian agent online.

During that contact, authorities said, he provided identifying information about himself and members of his family.

Investigators said Hayek also agreed to undergo training in an Arab country and was asked to recruit additional people to carry out assignments directed by the Iranian agent.

The statement said Hayek remained in contact with the agent even after members of his family received direct threats from the Iranian operative.

During questioning, Hayek allegedly admitted that he enlisted the help of another man, 21-year-old Asaf Shitrit of Beit Oved, in carrying out a mission for the foreign agent.

Shitrit was subsequently arrested and questioned by the Shin Bet as well.

Authorities said a “serious indictment” was expected to be filed against both suspects on Monday at the Central District Court in Lod.

The Shin Bet and police said the case is part of a broader pattern of repeated attempts by hostile intelligence and terror elements to recruit Israeli citizens for missions intended to harm Israel’s security and its residents.

Israeli security agencies warned the public against maintaining contact with foreign operatives or carrying out tasks on their behalf and said law enforcement would act harshly against anyone involved in such activity.