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Iranian Spy Plot Foiled: Explosives Planted Near Israeli Defense Minister’s Home

By Grassrootsmirro 

InternationalNews

Israel Thwarts Major Espionage and Assassination Attempt Orchestrated by Iranian Intelligence

In a dramatic revelation that underscores rising regional tensions, Israeli authorities have arrested two Israeli citizens accused of collaborating with Iranian intelligence to plant powerful explosives near the home of Defense Minister Israel Katz. This suspected assassination plot highlights Tehran’s continued covert operations aimed at destabilizing Israel from within.

The suspects—both in their twenties—are now facing severe national security charges as investigations unravel a larger network of espionage operating on Israeli soil.

Who Are the Suspects?

The two suspects, identified as Roy Mizrahi (24) and Almog Atias (25), hail from Nesher, a town in northern Israel. According to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the suspects were recruited via online platforms and became willing collaborators due to severe financial stress, including substantial gambling debts.

How Were They Recruited?

Investigators believe Iranian intelligence operatives targeted vulnerable Israeli citizens through social media platforms, offering them financial incentives under the guise of “work-from-home” jobs. Once trust was established, the recruits were groomed into espionage roles.

In the case of Mizrahi and Atias, encrypted communication channels were allegedly used to transmit instructions from Iranian handlers. The suspects were promised significant financial compensation in exchange for conducting surveillance and delivering explosive materials.

What Was the Plan?

Surveillance of Defense Minister Israel Katz

One of the most disturbing aspects of the plot was the duo’s alleged plan to install hidden surveillance cameras near the access roads leading to Defense Minister Israel Katz’s residence. The aim was to gather critical information about the minister’s movements and security routines, which would then be forwarded to Iranian handlers.

However, this surveillance plan was aborted when the suspects noticed a vehicle associated with Israel's internal security services nearby—alerting them to the possibility of being watched.

Delivery of Explosives

Despite aborting the surveillance operation, the suspects are believed to have successfully delivered a powerful explosive device near the vicinity of Katz’s home. Security officials, however, intercepted the plot before the device could be detonated. This act, if carried out, would have represented one of the most high-profile assassinations on Israeli soil in decades.

Iran’s Shadow War Against Israel

The foiled plot is not an isolated event. It reflects a broader pattern of Iranian espionage activities targeting Israeli officials, infrastructure, and civilians. Since the escalation of hostilities with Hamas and Hezbollah in 2023 and beyond, Iran has intensified its intelligence operations, often using proxy agents within Israel to gather intelligence or execute attacks.

20th Foiled Iranian Plot in Israel

According to internal sources, this incident marks the 20th Iran-linked spy operation thwarted by Israel in 2025 alone. These include attempts to hack Israeli defense systems, recruit insiders in sensitive positions, and carry out physical attacks on high-ranking officials.

Israeli intelligence believes Iran's long-term objective is to undermine Israel’s military leadership and create psychological pressure through fear and insecurity.

The Security Response

Following the arrest of the suspects, Israel's security agencies launched a comprehensive internal audit of defense officials’ personal security protocols. While no breach resulted in physical harm, the case triggered red-alerts across all branches of the IDF and Shin Bet.

Statement from Defense Minister Israel Katz

In a public address, Minister Katz emphasized that Iran’s covert war is now being fought on multiple fronts, including cyber warfare, psychological manipulation, and direct terror plots. He praised the vigilance of the Shin Bet and Israeli police for preventing what could have been a national tragedy.

“Our enemies are watching. But so are we. And we will act—quickly and decisively—against anyone who threatens the safety of the Israeli people or its leaders.” — Israel Katz, Defense Minister

Legal Consequences for the Accused

Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias are currently held in high-security detention and have been charged with:

  • Espionage for a foreign agent
  • Aiding and abetting a hostile nation
  • Attempted terrorism
  • Conspiracy to assassinate a public official

Their trial is expected to begin later this year. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment under Israel’s national security laws.

What This Means for Israel’s National Security

Lessons Learned

This incident underscores the growing complexity of modern espionage, where local citizens can be weaponized against their own country through digital manipulation and financial coercion. Israel is now reassessing how it monitors digital recruitment methods used by hostile states.

Call for Greater Cyber Surveillance

There is increasing pressure on Israeli authorities to enhance cyber surveillance tools that can detect and disrupt online recruitment by hostile intelligence agencies. This includes closer monitoring of:

  • Anonymous job forums
  • Encrypted messaging apps
  • Cryptocurrency-based transactions used for funding operations

Global Reactions

United States and EU Condemn Iran’s Actions

Several allied nations, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned Iran’s alleged involvement in the plot. The U.S. State Department called the attempted attack “an unacceptable escalation of Iran’s hybrid warfare campaign.”

Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate

This latest plot is expected to further strain Israel-Iran relations. With ongoing proxy conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, this direct attempt on a high-profile Israeli leader could provoke retaliatory cyber or military action by Israel.

A Wake-Up Call for Homeland Defense

The arrest of two local citizens working as alleged Iranian spies is a stark reminder of the new face of warfare—one where battles are no longer fought just on traditional battlefields but also in neighborhoods, chatrooms, and encrypted inboxes.

Israel’s security services have once again proven their vigilance. But the battle is far from over. Iran’s strategy of infiltration and psychological destabilization is evolving, and Israel must continue to adapt—faster and smarter—to stay ahead.





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