Two Israelis from Nesher arrested for aiding Iranian handlers, planting surveillance near Minister Katz’s home, and transferring suspected explosive.
The Shin Bet and police arrested two men after they allegedly installed cameras around the home of Defense Minister Israel Katz and transported a bag with an explosive device.
The two suspects, Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias, both 24, from the northern Israel town of Nesher, were arrested on suspicion of security offenses after they were suspected of gathering intelligence in Kfar Ahim, where Minister Katz resides.
The police and Shin Bet investigation found that over the past several months, Roy was in contact with Iranian terror entities and conducted a multitude of various tasks, some together with his friend Almog, for monetary compensation. It was found that both knew that they were working at Iran’s behest and that their actions could hurt Israel’s security.
Among the tasks that he carried out at the request and direction of his Iranian handlers, Roy purchased a new cell phone and installed an app to contact them. Later, he was asked to transfer a bag that was buried in the ground, which he understood contained an explosive device, from one location to another. Roy followed his handlers’ request and transferred the bag.
The Northern District Prosecutor’s Office is expected to submit an indictment against the two in the coming days.
A security official stated: “This case joins a series of recent incidents indicating repeated and ongoing efforts by hostile terror and intelligence entities to recruit Israeli citizens to carry out tasks aimed at harming the security of the State of Israel and its residents.
“The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police reiterate their warning to Israeli citizens and residents against engaging with foreign entities and performing tasks for them. Such actions constitute serious legal offenses and endanger national security. All security and law enforcement agencies will act decisively to enforce the law against those involved in such activities.”
Defense Minister Katz commented: “I commend the Shin Bet and Israel Police for thwarting the Iranian attempt to target me as Israel’s Defense Minister. Iran is the head of the terror octopus, directly and through the terror organizations it supports, promoting terrorist activities against Israeli leaders and citizens.
“My heart and concern are primarily with the hostages held vulnerable and defenseless in Hamas tunnels and with Israeli citizens exposed to Iran’s threats both domestically and abroad. I will not be deterred by any threat and will continue to fulfill my commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to sever the head of the Iranian terror octopus and its proxy terror arms. I will continue to lead with determination in the fight for Israel’s security.”
