US citizen detained in Israel

A US citizen has been detained in Israel on suspicion of spying for Iran. In a joint statement, Israeli police and the internal security service Shin Bet reported that the 20-year-old suspect had been in contact with Iranian intelligence officers for the past few months.

The statement indicated that the suspect had photographed and documented sensitive military and civilian sites across Israel, and had received varying amounts of payment from Iran in exchange for these tasks.

The statement also noted that the suspect was detained in a covert operation carried out on June 9.

Israeli police did not respond to questions regarding whether the suspect was a resident of Israel or a tourist. The police stated that the investigation had been conducted under a strict publication ban until now, adding that the suspect's detention period has been extended and an indictment will be prepared in the coming days.

Chief Superintendent Amichai Fanta said in a statement regarding the matter, "We will continue with determination to detect such crimes that endanger the security of our state and our citizens, and to expose those responsible and bring them to justice."

First US citizen to be caught

Unnamed security sources pointed out that Israel has been facing an unprecedented wave of domestic espionage since 2023, recalling that at least 60 Israeli citizens have recently been brought before a judge on charges of spying for Iran. This latest incident has been recorded as the first time a US citizen has been detained in Israel on espionage charges.

News Source: 12punto