Israeli Student Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for Iran, Shin Bet Announces

Israeli authorities have announced the arrest of a 22-year-old student from Ben-Gurion University on suspicion of conducting espionage missions on behalf of Iranian intelligence operatives. The arrest, made earlier this month, was revealed in a joint statement issued Thursday by the Shin Bet domestic security service and the Israel Police.

The suspect, identified as Bashar Hassan Qassem Musa, a resident of the Arab village of Deir al-Asad in northern Israel, is accused of engaging in various security offenses at the direction of Iranian agents. According to the investigation, Musa was in contact with an Iranian operative for several months and allegedly carried out tasks that included attempting an attack on an unnamed public figure, scattering nails on a main road in Beersheba, and encouraging “divisive discourse” online.

Authorities stated that Musa’s actions were driven by sympathy for events in the Gaza Strip, and he reportedly received financial compensation for his alleged activities. He studies information systems at Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba, which has since announced its intention to permanently expel him following confirmation from the State Attorney’s Office.

This arrest marks the latest in a series of alleged Iranian-backed espionage cases involving Israeli citizens. The Shin Bet emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Iranian intelligence, warning that even seemingly minor information passed to the enemy can aid in their conflict against Israel. “Security forces will continue to identify and foil acts of terror and espionage directed by enemy entities,” the joint statement affirmed.

An indictment against Musa is expected to be filed in the coming days, following a month-long investigation conducted by the Shin Bet and Northern District police investigators. The precise timing of Musa’s arrest in relation to the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran remains unclear from official statements.

The case highlights continuous efforts by Tehran to recruit ordinary Israeli citizens for missions that range from propaganda dissemination and intelligence gathering to more serious offenses, including alleged assassination plots. Israeli authorities have repeatedly cautioned citizens against engaging with foreign operatives, particularly those from enemy states.