Israeli Indicted for Allegedly Spying for Iran

Eduard Yusupov, a 65-year-old resident of Netivot, has been arrested and indicted for allegedly spying for Iran, marking a significant security breach in Israel. He reportedly conducted surveillance on key infrastructure, including military bases and the Negev Nuclear Research Center, under the direction of an alleged Azerbaijani agent he met in October 2024. Yusupov is accused of photographing sensitive locations and collecting information in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars paid in cryptocurrency. Despite suspecting he was working for a hostile entity, Yusupov continued to follow instructions from his handlers, demonstrating the ongoing threat of Iranian espionage targeting Israeli citizens. The case follows a troubling trend of espionage recruitment by Iranian agents, particularly intensified during the current conflict in Gaza. Security agencies have reiterated warnings to the public against engaging with foreign contacts that may have ties to enemy states.