Jerusalem, 15 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — An Israeli citizen from Nazareth has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out security-related offenses on behalf of a foreign entity, it was cleared for publication on Wednesday.
The suspect, identified as Shomua Abu Abed, was detained in March following an investigation into alleged contact with operatives linked to an enemy state, according to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police. Authorities said she carried out a series of assignments in exchange for financial compensation.
According to investigators, the contact began in October, during which time Abu Abed allegedly performed multiple tasks, including photographing sensitive locations Across Israel. These sites reportedly included Israel Defense Forces bases, security installations and oil refineries in Haifa. She is also suspected of transmitting information about an Israeli citizen described as a former member of the security establishment.
The investigation further found that Abu Abed continued her activities despite suspecting early on that she was being handled by an Iranian agent. Payments for the assignments were transferred to a digital wallet, through which authorities said they were able to trace and seize several hundred dollars linked to the activity.
On Thursday, prosecutors filed an indictment against Abu Abed at the District Court in Nof HaGalil-Nazareth, along with a request to keep her in custody until the end of legal proceedings.
Since June 2025, Israeli police and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) have uncovered more than 16 espionage cases linked to Iran.
In February, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed authorities to pursue the revocation of citizenship for Israelis convicted of spying for Iran during wartime. An Israeli citizen with no other nationality would be allowed to remain in Israel with the status of a permanent resident, losing voting rights.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has endorsed the measure, which would apply once a conviction is finalized.