Israeli reservists Yuri Eliasof and Georgy Andreyev, from Haifa’s Krayot district, were arrested on suspicion of conducting operations for Iran, the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police announced Monday. One suspect allegedly passed classified information related to the Iron Dome air defense system during his military service.
The two were apprehended in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the police’s Lahav 433 Unit. Investigations revealed Eliasof had been in contact with an Iranian agent for several months, performing tasks in exchange for money, including graffitiing “Children of Ruhollah” across the country. He later recruited Andreyev, who also completed tasks for financial compensation.
Both men reportedly knew they were working with Iranian entities, a realization informed by media reports on similar espionage cases. The investigation also uncovered Iran’s strategy of recruiting Israelis via social media platforms.
In a public statement, the Shin Bet and police urged citizens to report any suspicious contacts from unidentified sources seeking cooperation. They pledged strict legal action against those involved in espionage activities.
The suspects remain in custody, with an indictment expected by Friday. This case underscores the continued efforts by Iranian operatives to target Israeli citizens for intelligence-gathering purposes.
