Jerusalem, 4 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — An Ashkelon resident has been charged with security offenses after allegedly maintaining months-long contact with Iranian intelligence operatives, Israeli authorities said on Thursday.
According to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police, Amir Malka, 37, was arrested in November after being in communication with Iranian intelligence officials for several months. The Shin Bet said Malka had been asked to carry out a series of tasks on their behalf. During this period, he allegedly received thousands of dollars in payments.
An indictment against Malka is expected to be filed later today in the Beer-Sheva District Court.
The Shin Bet and police reiterated their warning to Israelis to avoid any contact with foreign elements from enemy states or unidentified individuals online.
“Intelligence and terror organizations from enemy countries continue their efforts to recruit and operate Israelis for the purpose of carrying out security, terror, and espionage missions,” they said, noting that recruitment attempts often take place via social media.
More than 30 Israelis have been charged with espionage on behalf of Iran in 2025.
Israeli Police spokesperson Dean Elsdunne told The Press Service of Israel in July that after agents make contact with an Israeli, “It starts out slowly, with small jobs, and slowly the money increases, and they are asked to do more severe crimes as time goes on.”
Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. During 12 days of fighting, Iranian missile strikes killed 28 Israelis and injured over 3,000.
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