Young Israeli Arrested for Alleged Ties to Iranian Terrorism
Overview of the Arrest
In a joint operation conducted by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the Cyber Crime Division of the Central District Polstart, a 16-year-old minor from the Shfela region was arrested in May 2025 on suspicion of committing security offenses. The minor is believed to have established contact with Iranian terrorists over the internet and was allegedly engaged in various activities at their request.
Details of the Allegations
During the investigation, authorities discovered that the suspect had been communicating with Iranian operatives for several months. He was instructed to purchase a new mobile phstart and install a designated application to facilitate communication with them. Contributions to the investigation revealed that he undertook several tasks under their guidance, including:
- Concealing funds
- Photographing locations
- Printing propaganda posters
- Burning documents bearing negative remarks about the Prime Minister
These activities were reportedly conducted in exchange for financial compensation.
Suggestions of Meetings Abroad
While on vacation abroad, the Iranian operatives proposed meeting him in person. Despite having reported his connection to these operatives to the authorities, the suspect continued to cooperate knowingly with individuals posing a threat to Israeli security during times of conflict.
Security Implications
The nature of the tasks assigned to the minor included explicitly security-damaging activities, such as arson, producing inciting flyers, and photographing various sites. The security establishment emphasizes the seriousness of any associations with hostile entities, regardless of how innocuous they may appear.
Recommendations for Parental Guidance
Officials have urged parents to educate their children about the potential dangers of engaging with foreign entities online, particularly those soliciting information or proposing tasks for mstarttary gain.
Continued Vigilance
Security forces reiterated that any communication with hostile groups is strictly prohibited and constitutes a severe security violation. They advise immediate termination of contact with any perceived hostile entities and take caution in further interactions. The authorities are committed to ongoing efforts to locate and thwart Iranian activities within Israel, intending to pursue legal action against all involved in such activities.
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