Israeli security authorities have announced the arrest of one of its own citizens on serious espionage charges, alleging he worked on behalf of Iran. The suspect is accused of conducting surveillance missions, including near the private residence of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the Israel Police and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) identified the suspect as Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli in his 40s from Rishon Letzion. His arrest occurred earlier this month following an investigation by the elite Lahav 433 unit and the Shin Bet.
The investigation revealed that over approximately two months, Kupriyanov allegedly performed various security-related tasks at the direction of Iranian handlers. "Among other things, at the request of his handlers, he transferred various photographs he took in his city of residence and in other cities, in exchange for varying sums of money," the security statement said. A central part of the alleged activity involved "photography missions" conducted in areas close to Bennett's home.
Legal Proceedings and Official Warnings
Prosecutors were expected to formally file an indictment against Kupriyanov on Thursday in the Central District Court in Lod. The security agencies used the announcement to issue a stern reminder about the dangers of contact with hostile foreign intelligence services.
"The security agencies will continue to act to locate and thwart terrorist and espionage activity in Israel and will act to bring to justice, with severity, all those involved in such activity," the statement concluded, underscoring the ongoing vigilance against such threats.
Context and Response from Naftali Bennett
The case emerges amid heightened tensions and a reported increase in Iranian attempts to recruit Israeli assets. Security forces note that since the war triggered by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, at least three dozen similar recruitment attempts by Tehran have been uncovered.
Naftali Bennett, who served as prime minister from June 2021 to June 2022 and is planning a political comeback with his "Bennett 2026" party, responded defiantly to the news. "Iran's efforts to harm me will not stop me in my life's mission. Am Yisrael Chai," he stated, using the Hebrew phrase for "The people of Israel lives."
This incident follows a recent cybersecurity breach targeting Bennett. On December 17, he confirmed that his official Telegram messaging app account was hacked, resulting in the distribution of his contacts, photos, and chats—both real and fabricated. The Iranian hacker group Handala claimed responsibility for that breach, taunting Bennett about his background as a cybersecurity executive.
The arrest highlights the persistent and multifaceted nature of the security challenges facing Israel, extending from cyber warfare to traditional espionage operations conducted within its own borders.
