Shin Bet, police foil second Iran spy plot targeting Bennett in less than a month; one arrested

The Shin Bet and Israel Police say they have arrested a resident of central Israel’s Rishon LeZion suspected of carrying out surveillance missions under the direction of Iranian intelligence, including photographing near the home of former prime minister Naftali Bennett.

According to a joint statement, the suspect – identified as 30-year-old Lekacho Demsash, who was arrested last month – had been in contact with Iranian handlers in recent months and was asked to carry out a series of tasks in exchange for money.

Investigators say the assignments began with simple missions and later escalated to photographing locations in his home city and elsewhere, including near Bennett’s residence.

Security officials assess that the activity was part of Iranian intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at facilitating an attack on the former prime minister, noting similarities to a separate case made public last month involving another suspect accused of spying near Bennett’s home.

An indictment was filed earlier today at the Central District Court in Lod, authorities say, as the Shin Bet and police warn Israelis against maintaining contact with hostile foreign actors, including through social media.

Over the past two years, dozens of Israelis have been charged with espionage on behalf of Iran. In many of the cases, Iranian agents recruited Israelis via social media, specifically the Telegram messaging app.