Student arrested in Israel for allegedly spying for Iran
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Authorities say the student had been in contact with an Iranian agent for several months.
A 22-year-old student has been arrested in Israel on suspicion of spying for Iran by the Shin Bet domestic security service and the police.
The 22-year-old is alleged to have committed security offences and carried out tasks on behalf of Iranian agents, according to a joint statement issued by the security agencies on Thursday
The young man, who studies information systems at Ben Gurion University in Beersheba, is from the Arab village of Deir al-Asad in northern Israel.
He was arrested in June and will be formally charged, the statement said.
It remains unclear whether the arrest occurred before or during the recent 12-day conflict with Iran.
Authorities say the student had been in contact with an Iranian agent for several months. In exchange for payment, he allegedly carried out “security-related acts” under the agent’s instructions.
These included an attempt to injure a person, scattering nails on a main road in Beersheba, and inciting divisive social discourse.
He reportedly claimed his actions were motivated by solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In recent years, Israel has seen a number of arrests involving suspected espionage for Iran.
(dpa/NAN)
COO/AMM
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