A joint operation by Shin Bet, the Police’s Unit of International Crime Investigations, and the Lahav 433 Cyber Unit has uncovered an Iranian intelligence network attempting to recruit Israeli citizens as spies for Iran, according to an announcement from the Israel Police on Thursday morning.

Authorities arrested Rafael and Lala Gulayev, both 32 and from Lod, for allegedly carrying out targeted recruitment for Iran involving Israelis whose families originated from the Caucasus region.

The investigation revealed that Elkhan Agayev, a 56-year-old Azerbaijani national, acted on behalf of Iranian agents to recruit the couple. Under Agayev’s direction, the Gulayevs reportedly conducted surveillance on sensitive security sites in Israel, including the Mossad headquarters and other strategic locations.

In a related development, an indictment was filed against Asher Binyamin Weiss, a Bnei Brak resident, who is accused of tracking an Israeli nuclear scientist at the behest of Iranian agents. Weiss allegedly received instructions to assassinate the scientist, raising serious national security concerns. A senior Shin Bet official noted that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of thwarted attempts by Iranian intelligence to exploit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorism.

Rafael Gulayev is also accused of gathering intelligence on an academic at the Institute for National Security Studies, who had been identified as a target of Iranian interests. The couple was reportedly tasked with identifying an assassin for this individual, demonstrating the seriousness of the threats posed by foreign intelligence operations.

The ongoing investigation highlights a troubling trend of foreign intelligence agencies attempting to manipulate and recruit individuals within Israel. As the threat landscape evolves, Israeli security officials remain vigilant in addressing these challenges. An indictment against the Gulayevs is expected to be filed later today.

A senior police official emphasized the commitment of Israeli security agencies to detect and prevent activities that threaten public safety, asserting that they will take decisive action against those collaborating with hostile entities. Weiss faces multiple charges, including contacting a foreign agent, providing information to the enemy, and obstructing justice, reflecting the severity of the actions taken against national security.