The Shin Bet and the Central Police Headquarters have exposed an Iranian intelligence recruitment network: In a joint statement published this morning (Monday), it was revealed that during the past month, two Israeli citizens were arrested on suspicion of having contact with foreign agents and carrying out missions intended to harm the state's security.
The main suspect in the case is Sagi Hayek, a 19-year-old from Ness Ziona.
His interrogation revealed that he had been in continuous contact with an Iranian agent over the Internet for several months. During the contact, Hayek revealed his personal information and that of his family members to the agent. Although his family members began to receive threatening calls directly from the foreign agent, Hayek chose to continue the contact and even expressed his agreement to go to an Arab country for specialized training.
As part of his employment by the Iranians, Hayek was asked to recruit additional people into the network. He turned to his friend, Assaf Shitrit, 21, from Beit Oved, who had assisted him in carrying out at least one mission for the Iranian agent.
Following Chaik's confession, Sheetrit was also arrested for questioning by the Shin Bet.
Today, the Central District Attorney's Office is expected to file a serious indictment against the two in the Lod District Court, accusing them of serious security offenses.
The defense establishment emphasizes that this case does not stand in a vacuum, but joins a series of recent Iranian attempts to exploit young Israelis through social media.
