Security Forces Foil Multiple Iranian, Hamas and Lebanese Recruitment Plots

Three separate security affairs were exposed, highlighting hostile attempts by external actors from Iran, Hamas, and Lebanon to recruit individuals inside Israel and the West Bank for security-related activities.

Iran, Hamas, and Lebanon Recruitment Efforts

In the first case, a resident of the village of Beitin in her 30s, employed as a journalist for a media outlet allegedly linked to Iran, was arrested. Police are investigating her ties to the Iranian regime alongside suspicions of trading with the enemy, inciting terror, and harming IDF forces. Her remand was extended until September 23.

Shortly after, a second affair was uncovered in the north. Sultan Abu al-Hija, a 31-year-local from Tamra, was arrested following a joint Shin Bet and Northern District police investigation. He allegedly contacted the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, and Iranian intelligence to offer assistance. Security forces arrested him before he could execute missions, and an indictment has been filed.

Arrests and Indictments in the Galilee

A third affair involved Hamdan Hamdan, a 32-year-old resident of Majd al-Krum. Arrested in a joint operation by Lahav 433 and Shin Bet, he is suspected of maintaining contact with a foreign female agent from Lebanon for several months and executing security tasks under her direction.

"Security agencies warn against frequent attempts by foreign operatives, particularly via social media, to recruit citizens for various assignments."

Warning from Security Forces

Security agencies continue to issue warnings regarding foreign recruitment attempts via social media. Recently, a Petah Tikva resident received a 13.5-year prison sentence after admitting to operating for an Iranian agent, marking one of the heaviest sentences handed down in such espionage cases.