Shin Bet probe finds numerous failures in hiring of ‘spy’ cleaner for Gantz

The Shin Bet security service has completed an internal investigation into conduct that allowed a man with multiple criminal convictions to work as a house cleaner for Defense Minister Benny Gantz, with the employee allegedly offering to spy on him for Iran.

The probe identified numerous failures in the way the agency performs background checks, but led to only two official reprimands.

The man, Omri Goren, was arrested last month after allegedly making contact with an Iranian-linked hacking group, Black Shadow, and offering to assist the group in exchange for money. Through his lawyer, he has largely admitted to the alleged actions, but has denied that he knowingly offered to help Iran.

The Shin Bet says it identified “professional failures in the way that Omri Goren’s security check was conducted, due to professional lacunae and work-flow lacunae. In addition, there were lacunae found in the oversight processes that should have discovered the mistake after it happened.”

To address these failures, the Shin Bet says it had tightened its protocols regarding people who work with protected individuals. In light of these failures, two managers — the equivalent of military officers — received official reprimands, the Shin Bet says.