Israeli Man Indicted for Spying for Iran Including National Security Minister

Yosef Ein Eli, a 23-year-old resident of Tiberias, Israel, has been indicted on charges of spying for Iranian intelligence operatives. Arrested in September following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Israel Police’s Lahav 433 unit, Ein Eli is accused of providing detailed intelligence about hotels near the Dead Sea, tourist sites in southern Israel, and other sensitive information in exchange for financial payments. Although tasked with several additional missions—including gathering intelligence on Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, forming an espionage cell, attacking residences, and photographing IDF bases—he reportedly did not carry out most of these assignments. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of his actions and warned Israeli citizens against engaging with hostile foreign agents, particularly for financial gain. This case is part of a broader pattern of Iranian-linked espionage activities uncovered during and after the Gaza war. Israeli security forces have pledged to continue their efforts to prevent and prosecute such collaborations with enemy states.