Israeli Man Charged in Iran-Directed Surveillance Near Bennett’s Home

Israeli security forces have filed serious security charges against a 31-year-old resident of Rishon LeZion accused of carrying out surveillance missions under Iranian direction, including filming near the home of former prime minister Naftali Bennett. The indictment was submitted Monday to the Central District Court in Lod, following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and the Israel Police.

According to the joint statement, investigators believe the suspect’s activities were part of Iranian intelligence efforts to collect information that could facilitate harm to senior Israeli figures. The case follows a similar investigation disclosed late last month, in which another Israeli citizen was charged with espionage offenses after filming near Bennett’s residence.

Security officials said the suspect maintained contact with Iranian intelligence elements beginning in late October 2025. Under their guidance, he was instructed to carry out a series of tasks in exchange for payment. The assignments initially involved simple actions, including hiding items and taking basic photographs, before escalating into more extensive intelligence-gathering missions in multiple locations.

Investigators said the suspect was instructed to purchase a dashboard camera, an old mobile phone, and a SIM card to establish a dedicated line of communication with his handlers. The camera setup enabled remote access, allowing the Iranian operator to log in using credentials and receive real-time video transmissions. Payments for the tasks were transferred via cryptocurrency wallets, including through the Binance platform, according to today’s reporting.

Authorities said the suspect carried out filming in and around his home city of Rishon LeZion, as well as in Herzliya, Yavne, Petach Tikva, and Ashdod. One of the more significant incidents occurred in the early morning hours of December 3, when he drove to the street where Bennett lives. While the live camera feed was operating under remote control, security guards noticed the vehicle and approached it. The suspect fled the scene and was arrested roughly a week later.

Security officials assess that, as in the earlier case involving Vadim Kupriyanov, the missions were intended to gather intelligence for a potential attack on the former prime minister. Kupriyanov was later indicted on severe espionage charges after allegedly conducting similar surveillance near the same location.

In their statement, the Shin Bet and Israel Police again cautioned Israelis against any contact with foreign agents from enemy states or unidentified actors, particularly through social media. They said Iranian intelligence and terror elements continue efforts to recruit Israelis for security, espionage, and terror-related missions, adding that security agencies will continue to detect and thwart such activity and pursue those involved to the fullest extent of the law.