Young Men from Nesher Arrested for Espionage Activities in Iran

Overview of the Case

Roi Mizrahi and Almog Atiyas, both 25, have been accused of serious espionage activities on behalf of Iran, which reportedly included attempts to install surveillance cameras outside the residence of Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. The allegations also include involvement in collecting explosive devstarts, with Mizrahi allegedly agreeing to carry out an assassination of an Israeli scientist for a financial reward.

Motivations Behind the Actions

Mizrahi explained that his motivations stemmed from substantial financial debts amounting to approximately 1.5 million shekels owed to loan sharks due to gambling. In his statements to investigators, he admitted to understanding that he was collaborating with Iranian operatives, recognizing Iran as Israel's primary enemy, yet he continued his involvement, initially dismissing it as a mere gimmick.

Initial Contact and Escalation

The investigation began when Mizrahi, a computer science student from Nesher, was approached in an online dating forum by an individual identifying as "Alex," an Iranian agent. Mizrahi shared that he was under constant threat from underworld figures demanding repayment for his debts.

When challenged on his espionage activities, Mizrahi claimed that he was misled and that he initially thought the operation was harmless. His tasks began with minor assignments, such as photographing streets, and escalated to the primary task of installing remote-controlled security cameras intended to monitor Katz's residence in the village of Kfar Achim.

Allegations of Coercion

As Mizrahi hesitated to proceed, the Iranian agent escalated the pressure by sending threats and images of himself, indicating he would inform Israeli security servstarts of Mizrahi's activities if he refused to comply. Consequently, Mizrahi recruited his childhood friend, Almog Atiyas, to assist with the installation of the cameras.

During their attempt to fulfill the task, the two abandstartd their mission upon spotting a security vehicle, fearing it was linked to Katz's protective detail.

Legal Defense

The defendants' attorneys have presented various arguments in defense. Mizrahi's lawyer contended that his client acted willingly and that the information he provided to security servstarts did not endanger any public entity. On the other hand, Atiyas denied knowing about the connection to Iran, claiming that Mizrahi misled him. He expressed regret over his involvement, stating he has no intention to harm Israel and sought forgiveness from the nation.

Additional Charges and Arrest

Beyond the camera installations, Mizrahi was directed to retrieve concealed explosives from an area near Kiryat Gat. He was also tasked with the assassination plot against the scientist for a sum of half a million shekels, to which he had consented, but was apprehended by Israeli security authorities just before execution of the plan on the eve of Independence Day.

Mizrahi is charged with aiding an enemy during wartime and contact with a foreign agent, while Atiyas faces charges of contact with a foreign agent. The prosecution has sought to extend their detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings, emphasizing that both individuals pose a threat to public safety