Nazareth Woman Charged With Spying for Iran After Filming Haifa Oil Refineries

An Israeli citizen from Nazareth was recently arrested on suspicion of carrying out security offenses for a foreign entity. With the investigation phase concluded, today (Wednesday) an indictment was filed against her in the District Court in Nof HaGalil–Nazareth, along with a request to detain her until the end of proceedings.

According to a joint statement from the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, the suspect, Shomoa Abu Abed, maintained contact with a foreign actor beginning last October. She allegedly carried out a long list of tasks under that person's direction in exchange for payment.

The investigation indicates that among the tasks she performed were photographing sensitive sites in Israel, including security installations, IDF bases, and the Haifa oil refineries. She also passed along information about an Israeli citizen who is a former member of the security establishment.

It was further noted that Shomoa continued her activities even though, early in the relationship, she suspected she was being handled by an Iranian actor. She received payments for the tasks via a digital wallet, and investigators were able to locate and seize hundreds of dollars that had been transferred to her.

Police and the Shin Bet stated that "in recent years, and especially since Operation 'Im Kalavi,' we have witnessed increased efforts by Iranian intelligence elements to recruit and run Israeli citizens inside Israel." They added that "the Israel Security Agency and Israel Police again warn the citizens and residents of the State of Israel against maintaining contact with foreign actors from an enemy state and/or unidentified entities."

Security officials added that "Beyond the severe harm to state security, those who involve themselves in such activity risk criminal prosecution and harsh penalties."