Caught in the Act: Tira Resident Arrested for Espionage on Behalf of Iran

The police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced this Thursday that a joint operation between the Shin Bet and the Central District Police’s Serious Crimes Unit (Yamar) led to the arrest of an Israeli citizen from Tira. The individual had been conducting security-related missions on behalf of Iranian operatives. An indictment was filed against him today.

According to police, Ahmed Fawaz Abd al-Aziz Daas carried out tasks under the direct instruction of Iranian intelligence officials. Investigations by the Shin Bet and the police revealed that Daas maintained contact with these hostile elements even while the State of Israel is actively at war. As part of his activities, the defendant sent his handlers specific locations and photographs of sensitive security sites and other points of interest across Israel—information that poses a tangible threat to the country's security and the safety of its citizens. Among the targets identified were seaports, power plants, and an IDF base.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, the State Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment with the court today. The charges allege serious illicit activities by an Israeli citizen during a time of war, emphasizing the grave risk his actions posed to national security.

It is important to note that this case is part of a recent string of incidents highlighting the persistent and repeated efforts by terrorist organizations and hostile intelligence agencies to recruit Israeli citizens to carry out missions aimed at undermining the security of the State of Israel. To date, indictments have been filed against more than 20 such spies.