Alleged fake profiles used by Iran. Click to see full-size image
On July 24th, Israel’s Security Agency Shabak (Shin Bet) claimed it had uncovered Iranian efforts to recruit agents for espionage and terror attacks in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip through Social Media.
According to the security service, the Iranians reached out to potential operatives, initially via fake Facebook accounts and later through other messaging applications, but were for the most part unsuccessful.
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
According to the Shin Bet, the alleged efforts began in Syria under the supervision of a Syrian local known as Abu-Jihad.
According to Israeli claims, the Qods Force (an elite unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, whose unconventional warfare, intelligence activities and extraterritorial operations) allegedly carried out their parallel operation from the headquarters in Damascus (Syria), known as the “Glass House”. The operation was allegedly led by a staff officer at Quds Muhammad Negravi (Abu-Amir)
The “Glass House” located at Damascus International Airport. Click to see full-size image
Israeli reports claim the recruiters were particularly interested in the Palestinians and Arabs living in Israel.
The newly minted agents were reportedly asked to collect information about military bases, security forces, personnel, police stations, hospitals and other critical facilities of the infrastructure and security system of Israel. Reports alleged that these objects were supposed to be targets for terrorist attacks.
The Israeli side continued by saying that over the past three months, security personnel coordinated with Israeli citizens who appeared to be targeted. Investigations reportedly showed communications with the Syrian based operatives developed quickly to a point whereby information was requested and plans to commit acts of terror against Israeli military and civilian targets were discussed.
For the last three months, since April, a broad counterterrorism operation was ongoing against recruits in Israel and the West Bank in which a number of Israeli citizens were involved, after intelligence indicated that they had been contacted and recruited by supposed Iranian handlers.
According to the official version of the investigation, intelligence showed that the recruits had transferred information to their handlers in Syria, and had stated their intention to carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli targets, both civilian and military.
The Shin Bet said:
“The vast majority of Israeli citizens refused to cooperate with them, because they suspected it was a hostile element and cut off contact with them.
An Israeli who receives a request from a network that he suspects is related to a terrorist body or organization is requested to update the police and to disconnect from that party immediately,” the Shin Bet said, adding that “security forces will continue to act with determination to thwart any activity by Iran and terrorist elements acting on its behalf against the security of the state.”
Shin Bet further said that this operation was not an isolated incident, as it is part of a series of such attempts in past months.
“Using social networks is a method known to intelligence agencies as being used by terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah, to recruit activists,” the Shin Bet said.
In mid-April, the Shin Bet, in cooperation with the Israel Police, arrested 32-yearold Thaer Shafut from the Hebron area on suspicion of being in contact with Iranian intelligence. His arrest was announced on June 20th.
Click to see full-size image
“During his ISA investigation, it was learned that Shafut had entered Israel on behalf of Iranian intelligence in order to carry out missions designed to advance the formation of cells in Israel and in Judea and Samaria for use in covert Iranian activity.”
He was indicted on June 10th, for allegedly coming into contact with an enemy, contact with a hostile organization and conspiracy to smuggle enemy funds into the area.
Definitely, just due to pure chance, the revelation by Israel of these alleged Iranian efforts comes just days after Iran reported that it had dismantled an alleged CIA Network operating in the country.
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Before 1948 Palestine was a colony of Great Britain but then they leased major part of Palestine to Israeli intruders.
When Israel got the opportunity so then they kept all Palestinians suppressed and treat them worst than slaves. Millions of Palestinians were butchered, blown up their homes with detonators and removed them from all major Palestinian land.
Uhuh god’s exaggerators.
And even if this were true, they catch one while ten slip by. I must admit, I do like the idea of Iran operating endless waves of intelligence right in the heart of terrorist tel aviv.
Thats the intelligence game chaps. Dont be mad israel you do it too
For the worlds ‘#1 sponsor of terrorism’ for over 30yrs running, Iran sure does suck at terrorism (or someone is lying about them).
I have heard so many claims about plots busted just in time but never about any successful ones. Just two days ago, some FDD guy in realclearworld, was going on about a Hezbollah group in London caught in 2015 with explosives (uh sure). FDD also talks about Iran’s bloodless assassination campaign in Europe where the perpetrators are always caught taking pictures. And their favorite, the plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador in Washington DC (still alive). Bonesaw bin Salman has killed more Saudis.
I can see Iran arming groups that they consider legitimate but stabbing people and blowing up hospitals is not their style, certainly not under Khameinei.
If true, Iran is fighting fire with fire. Jews of the world and Israel first used the internet to try and recruit terrorist in countries ranging from the Americas to Iran. Israel provides the explosives and weapons. I think other countries are just now using Jewish weapons against Jews. This is called “turning the tables”