Israeli Student Arrested Over Suspected Spying For Iran

A 22-year-old student has been arrested in Israel on suspicion of spying for Iran, according to a joint statement released Thursday by the Shin Bet security agency and Israeli police.

The suspect, a resident of the Arab village Deir al-Asad in northern Israel, studies information systems at Ben Gurion University in Beersheba. He was taken into custody in June and is expected to face formal charges.

Authorities allege the student had been in contact with an Iranian agent for several months and, in exchange for payment, carried out “security-related acts” at the agent’s direction.

These reportedly included attempting to harm an individual, spreading nails on a main road in Beersheba, and inciting societal tensions.

Officials have not confirmed whether the arrest occurred before or during the recent 12-day flare-up with Iran. The suspect is said to have told investigators his actions were driven by solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The case adds to a growing list of espionage-related arrests in Israel involving suspected Iranian operatives in recent years.
(dpa/NAN)