Israeli security agencies have arrested two Israeli citizens suspected of spying for Iran in what appears to be a plot targeting the country's defense minister. The suspects, Roi Mizrahi and Almog Atias, both 24-year-old residents of Nesher, are charged with committing severe security violations, including collecting intelligence in Kfar Achim, where Defense Minister Israel Katz lives, including via photos.
The joint Shin Bet and Israel Police investigation discovered that throughout 2025, Mizrahi maintained communication with Iranian terror agents and executed various security tasks for them, some jointly with his friend Atias. Both suspects allegedly understood they were working under Iranian guidance and that their actions could compromise national security, motivated primarily by financial incentives.
As part of the missions directed by his Iranian handlers, Mizrahi acquired a new mobile phone and installed a specialized application to communicate with his operators. Later, he was instructed to move a bag buried in the ground from one location to another which, according to his understanding, contained an explosive device. Mizrahi carried out this transfer following his handlers' detailed instructions.
Prosecutors are expected to file serious indictments against both suspects within days. A security source remarked on the case, "This incident joins numerous recent cases showing repeated attempts by hostile intelligence and terror elements to recruit Israeli citizens for operations designed to undermine the security of the State of Israel and its residents."
Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to the incident, "I congratulate the Shin Bet and Israel Police for thwarting the Iranian attempt to harm me as the defense minister of the State of Israel. Iran is the head of the terrorist octopus that promotes terrorist activity directly and through terrorist organizations it supports against leaders and all citizens of the State of Israel. My heart and concern are primarily for the hostages who are exposed and without protection in Hamas tunnels and for Israeli citizens exposed to Iranian threats in Israel and abroad."
Katz continued, "I will not be deterred by any threat and will continue to fulfill my commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to cut off the head of the Iranian octopus and its tentacles of terror organizations it supports. I will continue to lead with a firm hand the struggle for the security of the State of Israel."
The Shin Bet and Israel Police have issued renewed warnings to Israeli citizens and residents against establishing contact with foreign entities and performing tasks for them.
