The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the Unit of International Crime Investigations within the elite Lahav 433 police unit (Yahbal), have arrested three Israeli citizens suspected of planting packages containing money and posting inflammatory materials in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv under the direction of Iranian intelligence operatives. An indictment filed on Tuesday charges one of the individuals with maintaining contact with a foreign agent.
A joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Yahbal uncovered a network of Iranian intelligence operatives that had been active in recent months. These operatives posed as foreign entities to recruit and deploy Israeli citizens for missions within Israel's borders.
The probe revealed that one of the suspects, Elimelech Stern, a 21-year-old Vizhnitz Hasidic community member from Ramat Beit Shemesh, communicated via Telegram with a profile named "ANNA ELENA." The Iranian operatives allegedly tasked Stern with various missions, including posting inflammatory materials in Tel Aviv, planting money at specific locations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and delivering packages containing severed animal heads or dolls alongside knives and threatening messages to be left at the doorsteps of Israeli citizens. They also reportedly asked him to set fire to a forest, among other activities.
Investigators found that Stern agreed to carry out most of the missions, refusing only requests for murder and arson. To accomplish the tasks of posting materials, planting money, and delivering packages, he recruited two additional Israeli citizens who carried out some of the missions for financial compensation. Stern allegedly received payment from ANNA ELENA in cryptocurrency for completing the assignments.
During one exchange between the Iranian operatives and Stern, they wrote: "We need a brave man. Are you brave for a lot of money? I currently have 2 missions. One of them has a bonus of $7,000, and one of them has $350."
Stern expressed interest in the higher-paying mission, replying: "Tell me about the $7,000 one." The Iranian operative responded, "Alright. First, you need to purchase two 20-liter containers at a gas station."
On Tuesday, the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office filed an indictment against Stern in the Jerusalem District Court, charging him with maintaining contact with a foreign agent. The two additional citizens recruited by Stern were questioned and released from custody pending a decision in their case.
A senior intelligence official commented: "In this challenging period, where digital platforms are being exploited for intimidation, message delivery, or promoting terrorist activities under the guise of innocent interactions, we urge the public to remain vigilant. Be cautious when approached by unfamiliar sources, and avoid sharing personal information or opening links from unidentified senders."
