Two young men have been arrested on suspicion of espionage for Iran, police announce, adding that one of them planned to undergo training in an Arab country.
Nineteen-year-old Sagi Haik, from Ness Ziona, was allegedly in contact with an Iranian agent for several months before his March arrest.
“Haik agreed to undergo training in one of the Arab countries, and was even asked to recruit additional people to carry out missions under their [the Iranians’] direction,” police say.
According to law enforcement, several of Haik’s family members received “threatening messages” from the Iranian agent after the young man disclosed their personal details to him.
During his interrogation, Haik allegedly confessed to assisting another Israeli recruited by Iran, 21-year-old Assaf Shitrit, in carrying out a mission for his handler. Shitrit, from Beit Oved, was arrested as well.
Both are set to be charged later today in the Lod-Central District Court.
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Monday, April 20, 2026
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