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Shin Bet Uncovers Palestinian Cell Linked to Iranian Intelligence in Jerusalem
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Increase in security breaches reflects a shift in confrontation methods between Iran and Israel towards covert operations and targeted assassinations
Israeli police and Shin Bet security service revealed the arrest of seven Palestinians from Jerusalem, accused of plotting to assassinate Israeli officials under Iranian intelligence directives.
A joint statement indicated this incident represents the fifth Iranian intelligence-linked assassination attempt thwarted in the past month.
The statement highlighted that the detainees from Jerusalem's Beit Safafa neighborhood planned to assassinate an Israeli scientist and a mayor, as well as bombing a police car and throwing hand grenades for 200,000 shekels.
The statement quoted a senior Shin Bet source saying: "Scientists, mayors, as well as senior security establishment members and other senior Israeli officials are targets for attacks by Iranian elements."
Investigations revealed a pivotal role of a 23-year-old youth in recruiting the group, who carried out car burning operations, wrote slogans, and gathered intelligence information under Iranian guidance.
Occupation forces found 50,000 shekels in cash, a fake license plate, and multiple credit cards during searches of the detainees' homes, while their detention was extended until October 24.
This revelation comes a day after Israeli security agencies announced dismantling an Iranian spy network and arresting an Israeli citizen in September accused of plotting to assassinate prominent figures, including the Prime Minister.
Tehran and Tel Aviv exchange accusations of carrying out assassination operations, the latest being Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran last July, which Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for.
Levant-Agencies
