Seven residents of East Jerusalem were indicted on serious security charges for their alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate an Israeli nuclear scientist, authorities announced on Tuesday. The suspects, aged 19 to 23, are accused of working for Iranian operatives and gathering intelligence on the scientist, as well as plotting to target a city mayor. Israeli authorities, including the Shin Bet, say this case is part of a broader pattern of Iranian attempts to recruit Israeli citizens for espionage and sabotage operations.
The leader of the group, Rami Alian, was allegedly recruited by an Iranian agent and then enlisted six other men from the Beit Safafa neighborhood. Alian and his cell carried out various tasks for their Iranian handlers, including acts of vandalism and arson. In one instance, they were paid to set a vehicle on fire in the Ein Kerem neighborhood of Jerusalem. They also received payment to collect intelligence on Israeli security sites and a research facility.
Alian reportedly gathered detailed information about the nuclear scientist’s movements and personal life, intending to carry out an assassination in exchange for NIS 200,000 ($53,000), but the group was arrested before they could act.
This case is the fifth Iranian-linked espionage plot uncovered by Israeli authorities in recent months, as Iran continues to target Israeli military and civilian figures through recruited locals. Security officials warn that these espionage activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent.
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