Iranian intelligence services have assembled comprehensive profiles of thousands of Israelis, identifying them as potential targets in both domestic and international operations, security sources reveal. Several hundred individuals have been designated "high-risk" targets, with some receiving explicit threats from Iranian operatives. The scope of targeting encompasses current and former defense officials, academics, and scientists, Israel Hayom has learned.

This systematic campaign, sustained for more than a decade, represents Iran's calculated response to a series of assassinations of Iranian scientists and officials attributed to the Mossad and Israel. Tehran has retaliated by establishing terror cells across multiple countries, seeking to strike Israelis residing in or traveling to these locations.

Planned attacks have been uncovered in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Thailand, and several Western European nations. Most were prevented through timely intelligence sharing between Israel and local security agencies, resulting in real-time arrests of Iranian terror cells and operatives across multiple jurisdictions.

The operation has seen significant expansion in recent years, propelled by Iran's advancing cyber capabilities. This technological sophistication enables dual-track operations: enhanced gathering of intelligence about Israeli targets and accelerated recruitment of operatives, who initially may be unaware of their Iranian handlers.

Iranian operatives have exploited vulnerabilities in databases, phones, and computers to harvest comprehensive personal details of thousands of Israelis – including passport data, identification numbers, residential addresses, email accounts, mobile numbers, family information, employment details, and social networks.

This intelligence enables precise tracking of targets' movements and future plans, allowing Iran to identify optimal attack opportunities. Such surveillance methods, particularly mobile device infiltration, is believed to have been carried out by the Iranian cell that assassinated Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE, whose body was discovered on Sunday.

Device compromise typically occurs through deceptively innocent text message links or calls from unknown numbers, which, when engaged with, grant remote access to mobile devices and their stored data.

While most monitored individuals reside in Israel, Iran has made direct contact with several targets, issuing explicit threats. Some received mock "birthday greetings" for themselves or family members, including ominous warnings about not reaching their next birthday. The surveillance extends to defense establishment personnel, including senior officials.

Iran's recruitment efforts have intensified markedly. The cell responsible for Kogan's killing reportedly operated from Uzbekistan, with similar cells using various nationalities believed to be active globally. Security forces recently arrested one such cell in Sri Lanka planning attacks against Israelis, and yesterday's upgraded travel warning for Thailand likely reflects similar intelligence.

Particularly concerning is Iran's successful large-scale recruitment within Israel itself. Recent weeks have exposed multiple cells recruited remotely, operating under Iranian direction for financial gain to gather intelligence on security installations and specific individuals. Some received instructions to begin practical preparations for attacking Israeli targets. Arrests include Israeli Jews and Arabs, plus Palestinian residents of east Jerusalem.

The domestic targeting operation focuses on several hundred "high-risk" individuals, including current and former senior defense officials, academics across various fields, and scientists. All have received security agency warnings and instructions to maintain heightened vigilance while avoiding unnecessary international travel.

Intelligence assessments project Iran will escalate these efforts imminently, driven by mounting losses in the current war – both direct casualties and damage to its proxies, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. While the Shin Bet and other security agencies have successfully thwarted Iranian attempts thus far, Tehran's massive investment in personnel, funding, and technology, combined with the discovered willingness of some Israelis to collaborate with Iranian handlers, creates potential for successful attacks both within Israel and abroad.

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A somber mood pervades Chabad–Lubavitch communities globally in the aftermath of Rabbi Zvi Kogan's murder, allegedly carried out by Uzbekistan–based assassins working at Iran's behest.

The movement, with its network of roughly 6,000 emissaries operating thousands of centers worldwide, maintains a visible Jewish presence through its recognizable gathering places and representatives' distinctive traditional attire. Yet today, one message resonates clearly: These devoted emissaries will persist in their mission, undeterred by this brutal act of violence.

"We are here to stay," declares Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm, a 30-year veteran emissary in Bangkok, Thailand. "Undoubtedly, Rabbi Kogan's murder during his sacred work has deeply shaken us – both the profound loss and the sobering reality that such tragedy could strike anywhere demands our vigilance. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast. This commitment echoes across our global network of emissaries. Our mission never wavers. We bear responsibility as a sanctuary for Jews and Israelis seeking assistance, whether safeguarding their belongings, helping recover lost wallets, providing security among fellow Jews and Israelis, supporting those in distress, or offering space for prayer and religious observance."

"Daily, hundreds of Jews cross our threshold, each with unique needs. A Chabad House serves as an unparalleled institution within Jewish life – a universal haven where any Jew can pause for nourishment, support, or assistance before continuing their journey. This mission endures."

The National Security Council's extraordinary alert elevating Thailand's threat level following Kogan's murder reflects escalating concerns. Iranian attempts to target Jews and Israelis in Thailand have been repeatedly documented, with Thai police recently issuing a grave warning about threats to Israeli travelers.

A dozen years earlier, Iranian operatives' attempt to target Israeli diplomats was thwarted by their own operational failure. "Thailand itself harbors no inherent antisemitism or Jewish hatred – that's not our concern. However, we remain acutely aware of security threats, receiving intelligence from both Israeli and local authorities," Wilhelm notes.

"Security measures remain heightened, particularly since October 7, and beyond our prayers for the Jewish people's welfare, we employ numerous security personnel to maintain enhanced protection at all Chabad Houses nationwide. Round–the–clock police presence surrounds our Chabad House, with additional reinforcement during special events," he emphasizes.

"Our security operations run continuously, guided by an 'open but secure' policy – maintaining accessibility to every Jew while implementing necessary security measures. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, taught that 'darkness is dispelled with light,' and current challenges only strengthen our resolve to enhance our positive impact. This isn't mere rhetoric – it's our foundational principle."

In Warsaw, where Poland's relative security might invite complacency, Chabad emissary Rabbi Shalom Ber Stambler maintains unwavering vigilance. "Since the horrific attack on Simchat Torah, we've witnessed an alarming surge in antisemitism, manifesting primarily through pro-Palestinian rhetoric that challenges Jewish existence in Israel," explains Stambler, who has dedicated 19 years to his Warsaw mission alongside his wife and eight children.

"The recent vandalization of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising memorial, a summer Molotov cocktail attack on a synagogue, and recurring incidents raise concerns. Poland's apparent calm might breed false security, suggesting immunity from such threats," the rabbi observes.

"Post–October 7, we've had constant police presence, and we've intensified security protocols – screening visitors, monitoring unexpected arrivals, and enhancing protection during events or periods of heightened tension following developments in Israel or globally."

Stambler articulates their unwavering commitment: "Abandoning our mission remains unthinkable. Indeed, 'as they afflicted them, so they multiplied and spread.' Each report of global adversity strengthens our resolve to expand positive initiatives for the Jewish community, albeit with enhanced security measures. Our mission here carries profound significance despite considerable challenges."

He recounts a telling incident. "During last Hanukkah's parliament menorah lighting, antisemitic parliament member and far-right leader Grzegorz Braun extinguished our menorah with a fire extinguisher, injuring those who intervened. One person required several days of hospitalization after attempting to prevent this act," he says. "The Polish Parliament's response proved exemplary – implementing maximum sanctions against the antisemitic member and hosting another candle–lighting ceremony with senior officials two days later. However, this same parliament member's subsequent election to the European Parliament with substantial support signals a deeply troubling undercurrent. The Amsterdam incident should serve as a crucial warning across Europe, though I fear European nations may not fully grasp the situation's gravity. We remain hopeful nonetheless."

Amsterdam's Chabad community, no stranger to challenges, faces this latest tragedy with characteristic resilience. "We share the profound grief of our fellow emissaries over the murder of our beloved Rabbi Kogan, may God avenge his blood," says Rabbi Akiva Camissar, Chabad emissary and leader of the Netherlands' Israeli community. "Despite this challenging year, we remain committed to our divinely appointed mission, following the Lubavitcher Rebbe's directive to increase light that dispels darkness. We'll respond by intensifying our Jewish activities, spreading Torah teachings, and acts of kindness."

In Abuja, Nigeria's capital, circumstances differ markedly. "Our interfaith relationships, particularly with the Muslim community, remain positive. Nevertheless, we maintain comprehensive security measures, coordinating closely with relevant authorities to ensure our Jewish guests' safety," explains Rabbi Israel Uzan, Chabad's Abuja emissary. Their work has fostered meaningful interfaith bonds through various initiatives, including Rabbi Uzan's humanitarian organization serving local residents. "Vigilance remains constant. Our focus centers on enabling Jewish life in Nigeria, providing comprehensive support from educational facilities to holiday celebrations and daily religious services. Our thriving capital city Chabad House has led to establishing another center elsewhere in the country. Our humanitarian outreach continues showing Nigerians Judaism's charitable essence."

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