Israel Arrests Two Air Force Personnel in Iranian Espionage Case

Israeli police arrested two Israel Air Force personnel on suspicion of espionage for Iran, part of Tehran's growing campaign to recruit insiders in Israel's military.

Over the past 18 months, police and the Shin Bet have investigated more than 20 cases involving 40 to 50 suspects. Most remain in custody, but investigators say others are still free.

Capt. Sefi Berger of the Israel Police’s Lahav International and Major Crimes Unit, which handles Iranian espionage, told Fox News Digital that Tehran wants intelligence to plan attacks, details on prominent people and other sensitive data.

Payments differ sharply. One group of seven suspects got about $300,000. An Iron Dome reservist took $1,000, sometimes less.

"People may think they will get rich, but the money is not life-changing," Berger said. "In one case last year involving two soldiers, one received just $21 and has been in prison for a year and a half."

Iranian agents infiltrate WhatsApp and Facebook groups for Israelis hunting freelance jobs. They also use pornography sites to gather compromising material for blackmail. Recruiters exploit emotional vulnerabilities in people with shaky morals.

"When recruiting a person, a relationship can develop between the handler and the spy. Sometimes the asset is looking for a father figure or a friend — someone who listens without judgment," Berger said.

Former Shin Bet handler Gonen Ben Itzhak, who recruited in Palestinian areas for years, told Fox News Digital the problem stands out. He has not seen so many attempts, including some successes, against Israel before.

"The million-dollar question is who makes a good recruit. We don’t have a clear answer. There are certain indicators that someone may be more susceptible. The Iranians use social media — something we didn’t have in the same way — and it’s a powerful tool to identify potential motives," he said.

Ben Itzhak avoided suspects likely to draw notice, like criminals. He built contacts slowly.

"At first, they need to agree to meet in secret. Sometimes they come but won’t share information. I would start with simple questions — who leads Hamas in their village," he said.

"Sometimes it takes time. Some refuse to cooperate, some may even act as double agents. In many cases, they are trained to collect information without being exposed. It’s a process," Ben Itzhak added.

In March, Haifa resident Ami Gaydarov, 22, faced arrest for making explosives to hit a top Israeli official under orders from an Iranian agent.

Last month, Qalansawe resident Miqdad Moder Hosni Natur got detained for spying for a hostile actor via Al Jazeera. He connected with his handler while job-hunting through the Qatari network.

Israeli law sets up to 15 years for contacting a foreign agent. Passing intelligence means more than 10 years. Helping the enemy in wartime starts at life, with death possible in worst cases.

Berger warned against faking out foreign agents. Any contact counts as a crime.

"We had a hotel worker near the Dead Sea who falsely told Iranians that a group of Israelis would arrive. He said it was a lie, but I explained he had effectively put a target on that hotel, its staff and guests, and encouraged an attack," Berger said.

"People unfamiliar with this world should not engage in it. Contact is an offense, providing information is an offense, and aiding the enemy is the most severe," he added.

Most suspects await trial in custody. Some cases move to court.

Moti Maman, 70, got 10 years after two trips to Iran to plan terror attacks, including a possible hit on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Former Mossad operative Gad Shimron told Fox News Digital the spying hurts but stays tactical, not strategic. He urged vigilance.

"The electronic Iron Dome is trying to catch Israelis willing to work for the Iranians, and I believe it is quite efficient," he said. "But one should never underestimate the enemy. I am sure they are investing a lot of effort and that they have some successes we don’t yet know of."