The Israeli Security Agency, Shin Bet, has issued a statement warning of a significant uptick in Iran’s efforts to execute assassination plots within Israel. According to the agency, several such attempts have been thwarted in recent weeks, including some that were in advanced stages of planning. Details of these foiled plots have not yet been publicly disclosed.
“In recent weeks, the Shin Bet has detected a significant rise in Iran’s efforts to advance assassination attacks against targets in Israel,” the agency stated. The Shin Bet alleges that Iran has been attempting to recruit Israeli civilians to harm senior officials in the country, targeting individuals through various online platforms.
One notable case involves the arrest of an individual who was reportedly smuggled into Iran on two occasions. According to the Shin Bet, this person was tasked with plotting the assassination of high-ranking Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, or the head of the Shin Bet.
The agency also reported that Iranian operatives have been attempting to recruit Israelis online. These operatives reportedly identify potential recruits through social media channels related to cryptocurrency, finance, and job searching. They offer substantial financial incentives for carrying out tasks such as:
• Placing money or phones in specific locations within Israel.
• Distributing flyers or painting graffiti.
• Setting fire to cars.
• Physically harming individuals.
“The Shin Bet asks the public to exercise increased vigilance and caution in any case where suspicion arises,” the statement read. The agency emphasized the importance of skepticism, especially when large sums of money are offered for tasks that seem incongruent with the compensation or when the tasks themselves are unusual.
The Shin Bet is urging the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. “We call on citizens to be alert and to notify the relevant agencies if they encounter any dubious propositions,” the agency concluded.
