The Shin Bet and Israel Police arrested Shimon Azarzar, a resident of Haifa, who transmitted photos and locations of sensitive Israeli installations to Iranian intelligence operatives. He exploited his partner, who serves in reserves, to gather various details about the IDF and Air Force bases.
Azarzar, 27, and his partner, Israeli citizens living in northern Israel, were arrested last month on suspicion of security offenses involving contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and executing security missions under their guidance. The Shin Bet and police investigation revealed that over a period of more than one year, Shimon Azarzar maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and carried out various operational tasks under their instruction. During this period, he transmitted photos and locations of sensitive installations in Israel and offered to provide crucial information to his handlers from IDF bases.
Video: Suspects arrested for conducting espionage tasks for Iranian operatives. Credit: Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Article 27(a)
Additionally, Azarzar exploited his relationship with his partner, who serves in reserves at an Air Force base, and obtained from her various details about the IDF, Air Force bases, and more. The investigation also revealed that he offered his Iranian handler information from an IDF base.
According to the investigation findings, Azarzar received payments for his services that were transferred via digital payment methods. Sunday morning, an indictment was filed against Azarzar in the Haifa District Court.
This incident joins a series of previous cases in which Israeli citizens helped Iranian operatives gather intelligence and transmit sensitive information from Israel for payment. To date, over 30 indictments have been filed against suspects in cases nationwide.
