Israel Arrests Two Suspected Iranian Spies
According to investigators, 19-year-old Sagi Haik from Ness Ziona was in contact with an Iranian handler for several months before his arrest in March. Police said he agreed to undergo training in an Arab country and was asked to recruit additional operatives to carry out missions on behalf of Iran.
Police have arrested two young Israelis on suspicion of spying for Iran, saying one of them had planned to travel abroad for training as part of the alleged activity.
According to investigators, 19-year-old Sagi Haik from Ness Ziona was in contact with an Iranian handler for several months before his arrest in March. Police said he agreed to undergo training in an Arab country and was asked to recruit additional operatives to carry out missions on behalf of Iran.
Authorities added that Haik shared personal information about his family with the handler, after which relatives reportedly received threatening messages.
During questioning, Haik allegedly admitted to assisting another suspect, 21-year-old Assaf Chetrit from Beit Oved, in carrying out tasks directed by the same Iranian contact. Chetrit was also arrested.
Both suspects are expected to be charged in the Lod District Court.
The arrests come amid heightened tensions and ongoing intelligence activity linked to Iran. In a separate development, Iranian authorities announced the execution of two men accused of ties to Israeli intelligence, describing them as part of a network connected to Mossad.
Iranian state media said the two were convicted of “moharebeh,” or waging war against God, as well as collaboration with hostile groups. The report did not specify when they were arrested.
The executions are part of a broader pattern of increased enforcement actions in Iran since the outbreak of conflict with Israel and the United States, with rights groups noting the country remains one of the world’s most active users of capital punishment.