Shin Bet catches Israeli recruited to spy on senior officials

The Shin Bet caught an Israeli citizen prepared to engage in acts of espionage for Iran, including photographing the homes of Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar and State Camp leader and former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, according to a statement released today (Thursday).

Full statement below:

In a joint operation by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District, Daniel Kitov (26), a resident of Petah Tikva, was arrested this month after being suspected of carrying out various missions on behalf of a hostile foreign entity.

The investigation revealed that for several months, Daniel had been in contact with an Iranian agent and, under his direction, carried out dozens of incidents of spray-painting graffiti in the Petah Tikva and Rosh Ha'ayin areas in exchange for payment.

The investigation further revealed that Daniel was asked to photograph the home of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, to photograph military bases, and was even asked if he knew pilots in the Air Force, but did not carry out these missions. Additionally, the investigation revealed that Daniel, on his own initiative, offered to photograph the home of Knesset member Benny Gantz, but this mission was not realized.

According to suspicions, Daniel understood that he was in contact with an Iranian operator, based in part on media publications on the subject and searches he conducted regarding this.

This morning, a serious indictment will be filed against him at the Lod District Court for offenses of contact with a foreign agent.

Ever since the war began in October 7, Iran has actively tried to recruit Israeli citizens to engage in acts of espionage such as photographing the homes of senior or former senior officials and bases, as well as propaganda and vandalism. Many were caught before they could carry out any of their assignments.