Israel Arrests Suspected Spy For Iranian Intelligence Service

JAKARTA - Israel has arrested a man on suspicion of espionage for Tehran, accusing him of transferring military site photos and details to Iranian intelligence agencies.

Shimon Azarzar (27) is the latest among dozens of suspected spies to face charges in line with Israeli authorities' efforts to crack down on contact with enemy countries.

Azarzar was charged in court in Israel's Haifa City on Sunday. He is accused of sending sensitive military site coordinates to officials in Iran.

He allegedly offered to get information through his wife, who served as a reserve soldier at an Israeli air force base, reported The National November 17.

The couple were arrested last month, but Azarzar's wife has not been charged.

Israeli media reported that she did not appear to be aware of her husband's dual life, who worked as a communications system technician at Ramat David Air Base, Israel's northernmost airbase.

A joint statement from the police and Israel's internal security service, quoted by Israeli media, stated that Azarzar had carried out a "mission" in exchange for payment.

Israeli media reported that it provided Tehran with information about missile-affected locations from a 12-day war between the two countries in June. According to the indictment, he received thousands of shells to do so.

His work was carried out for a year, the authorities claimed. He has been charged with contact without permission with foreign agents and offered classified material.

Azarzar works for renovation contractors carrying out tasks for Israeli military, police and defense company Rafael.

Allegedly, his Iranian superiors repeatedly offered to move him to Iran, promising Azarzarzar a large house, car, and high-paying job, but the Israeli party replied that he was subject to a travel ban.

Since the start of the Gaza war, Israel has uncovered more than 35 cases in which Tehran has attempted to recruit Israeli citizens, according to Israeli media.

The police and security agency Shin Bet have warned residents not to be in contact with "foreign elements" of "enemy countries".

The joint statement stated: "Israel's security agency will continue to work to detect and thwart terror and espionage activities in Israel, and will act to prosecute all parties involved as severely as applicable."