Israel says it foiled Iranian spy plot targeting Dimona nuclear facility

Israeli authorities say they have thwarted a new Iran-backed spy plot targeting Dimona nuclear facility as Iran continues to escalate its operations in the Jewish state.

“Following a joint investigation by the Israeli Defense Forces in Lahav 433 and the Shin Bet, a Beer Sheva resident was arrested on suspicion of initiating contact with intelligence elements in the Iranian regime and offering to sell information, among other things, claiming that he had access to the nuclear research complex,” the statement from Israel Police said.

Last month, Doron Buchovze, an Israeli citizen and resident of Beer Sheva, was arrested after being suspected of having committed security offenses for several months involving contact with Iranian agents and carrying out missions, including photographing installations and transmitting information for financial gain.

The investigation also revealed that Bukhobza initiated the contact, with the full understanding that he was in contact with an Iranian operator, and that it could cause harm to the state's security, the police said.

Israel Hayom reported that he had received 3,750 shekels ($1,000) in digital currency from an Iranian agent.

An indictment was filed against Buchovza on Sunday, charging him with the offenses of contacting a foreign agent and passing information to an enemy state.

It is the latest case as dozens have been foiled since the beginning of the Gaza war while Iran steps up its operations against its archenemy.

Asher Ben Artzi, the former head of Israeli Interpol and a research associate at The International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, told Iran International: “We are witnessing a further escalation in Iranian intelligence activity.

“This is no longer a weakened population with no connection to the state, this is a native Israeli who approached them on his own initiative and even carried out several missions for them. This is about treason against the State of Israel, the suspect who was arrested is a traitor. Treason in time of war. This is the most serious offense.”

Previous plots have targeted the country's military and political leaders, military facilities and nuclear research centers.