Israeli police have revealed that Iran is using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, along with blackmail tactics, to recruit spies within Israel’s military.
Recent arrests of two Israeli Air Force personnel on espionage charges have highlighted Iran’s ongoing efforts to infiltrate Israel’s military by recruiting operatives from within. Over the past 18 months, Israeli police, in collaboration with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), have investigated more than 20 cases involving an estimated 40 to 50 suspects. While most of these individuals remain in custody, authorities believe that additional suspects may still be at large.
Captain Sefi Berger of the Israel Police’s Lahav International and Major Crimes Unit, which focuses on Iranian espionage cases, stated that Tehran primarily seeks intelligence that could assist in planning attacks, as well as information on high-profile individuals and other sensitive targets.
Payments for espionage activities vary significantly. One network of seven suspects reportedly received around $300,000, while an Iron Dome reservist was allegedly compensated with just $1,000—and in some instances, even less. “People may think they will get rich, but the money is not life-changing,” Berger explained. “In one case last year involving two soldiers, one received just $21 and has been in prison for a year and a half.”
Iran’s recruitment tactics include infiltrating WhatsApp and Facebook groups frequented by Israelis seeking freelance work, as well as targeting pornography websites. Agents allegedly use compromising material to blackmail individuals into cooperating. The recruitment process often involves emotional manipulation, targeting individuals whose moral judgment may be compromised.
“When recruiting a person, a relationship can develop between the handler and the spy. Sometimes the asset is looking for a father figure or a friend—someone who listens without judgment,” Berger noted.
Former Shin Bet handler Gonen Ben Itzhak, who has extensive experience recruiting sources within Palestinian society, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He remarked that he has not previously witnessed so many attempts—and some successful cases—of espionage against Israel.
“The million-dollar question is who makes a good recruit. We don’t have a clear answer. There are certain indicators that someone may be more susceptible. The Iranians use social media—something we didn’t have in the same way—and it’s a powerful tool to identify potential motives,” he said.
As a handler, Ben Itzhak aimed to recruit as many viable candidates as possible while avoiding individuals likely to attract suspicion, such as known criminals. He described the recruitment process as gradual and often uncertain.
“At first, they need to agree to meet in secret. Sometimes they come but won’t share information. I would start with simple questions—who leads Hamas in their village,” he explained. “Sometimes it takes time. Some refuse to cooperate; some may even act as double agents. In many cases, they are trained to collect information without being exposed. It’s a process,” Ben Itzhak added.
In March, 22-year-old Ami Gaydarov from Haifa was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing explosives intended to target a senior Israeli figure at the direction of an Iranian agent. Last month, a man from the Israeli-Arab city of Qalansawe was detained on suspicion of spying for a “hostile actor,” mediated through the Al Jazeera channel. According to the investigation, Miqdad Moder Hosni Natur made contact with his handler after being introduced while searching for job opportunities through the Qatari-owned news organization.
Under Israeli law, contact with a foreign agent can result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Providing intelligence may lead to more than 10 years’ imprisonment, while aiding the enemy during wartime carries a minimum sentence of life imprisonment—and in extreme cases, the death penalty.
Berger cautioned against attempts by Israelis to deceive foreign agents, emphasizing that any contact is a serious offense. “We had a hotel worker near the Dead Sea who falsely told Iranians that a group of Israelis would arrive. He said it was a lie, but I explained he had effectively put a target on that hotel, its staff, and guests, and encouraged an attack,” he said. “People unfamiliar with this world should not engage in it. Contact is an offense, providing information is an offense, and aiding the enemy is the most severe,” he added.
While most suspects remain in custody awaiting trial, some cases are progressing through the courts. One concluded case involved 70-year-old Moti Maman, who was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison after twice entering Iran, where he met with intelligence agents to discuss carrying out terrorist activities in Israel. He also discussed the possibility of assassinating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Former Mossad operative Gad Shimron remarked that while these espionage efforts have caused damage, their impact appears to be tactical rather than strategic. However, he cautioned against complacency. “The electronic Iron Dome is trying to catch Israelis willing to work for the Iranians, and I believe it is quite efficient,” he said. “But one should never underestimate the enemy. I am sure they are investing a lot of effort and that they have some successes we don’t yet know of,” he added.
According to Fox News, the ongoing threat of espionage from Iran remains a significant concern for Israeli authorities.