Man Charged with Espionage for Iran After Using Girlfriend

A resident of Kiryat Yam, Shimon Azarzar, has been charged with espionage for allegedly gathering and transmitting sensitive military information to Iranian intelligence. Azarzar, 27, and his girlfriend were arrested in October 2023 under suspicions of operating under Iranian directives to collect intelligence and perform covert tasks.

According to the Shin Bet and the Israel Police, the indictment filed on Sunday at the Haifa District Court details how Azarzar spent over a year sending photos and coordinates of strategic locations within Israel to Iranian operatives. His actions reportedly involved leveraging his girlfriend’s position as a reservist stationed at an Air Force base to gather additional intelligence on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) facilities and operations.

The charges against Azarzar include unauthorized contact with a foreign agent and the distribution of classified materials. Authorities have stated that he received payments via digital transfer for his activities, highlighting a concerning trend of individuals engaging with foreign entities, particularly those deemed hostile.

In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and police emphasized the risks associated with maintaining contact with foreign elements from enemy states. They urged Israeli citizens and residents to refrain from undertaking missions for such entities, warning that the security agencies remain vigilant in identifying and thwarting espionage activities.

The investigation has revealed that Azarzar offered to relay information from military installations and exploited his girlfriend’s access to classified operational knowledge. This case is part of a broader concern regarding espionage linked to Iranian interests in the region.

Just one week before Azarzar’s arrest, another individual was taken into custody on similar espionage charges. During a search of this second suspect’s residence, investigators discovered digital materials and 18 SIM cards intended for communication with foreign agents. Despite the significant evidence, the Magistrate’s Court opted to release him without imposing house arrest.

This second suspect is alleged to have photographed various sites at the request of an Iranian handler, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Ganei Avraham Park in the Bavli neighborhood of Tel Aviv, and a site in Ramat Gan that was impacted during Operation Rising Lion. He reportedly received thousands of shekels in cryptocurrency for his efforts.

As these incidents unfold, the implications for national security and the integrity of military operations in Israel continue to be a matter of serious concern. The authorities remain focused on addressing and preventing espionage threats to ensure the safety and security of the nation.