The state attorney filed an indictment on Thursday against Alexander Granovsky, 29, from Petah Tikva, on charges of communicating with foreign entities and passing information to the enemy, among other things.
In December, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced it had arrested Granovsky for conducting espionage and arson on behalf of foreign entities.
In a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Lahav 433’s National Crime Unit of the Israel Police, Granovsky was arrested on suspicion of committing security offenses.
Motivated by financial gain
Investigators revealed that Granovsky had been in contact with foreign terrorist operatives since November. Acting under their direction, he allegedly carried out several tasks with full awareness of their potential to harm national security. According to authorities, his actions were motivated by financial gain.
Granovsky was accused of setting fire to eight vehicles in various locations across Israel, leaving graffiti reading “Children of Ruhollah” at the scenes. He also allegedly photographed an infrastructure facility in central Israel and filmed the entrance to the neighborhood where former defense minister Benny Gantz resides, sending the footage to his handlers.
Security forces have arrested several citizens in recent months on suspicion of carrying out operations for Iranian agents, including the burning of vehicles, spray-painting graffiti, and transferring information, with some taking pictures of facilities and sites classified by the security establishment as sensitive.
The Islamic Republic has been recruiting agents and conducting infiltration operations, with security officials noting earlier in December, “They [Iranian agents] recruit using a ‘fishing’ method.’
Avi Ashkenazi contributed to this report.