Daniel Kitov, an Israeli citizen and resident of Petah Tikva, has been charged in connection with an Iranian espionage plot following his arrest by security services earlier this month, the Times of Israel reports.
Kitov stands accused of acting on behalf of Tehran’s agents, including commiting pro-regime and pro-Hamas vandalism.
He allegedly daubed buildings in his home city with Hamas’ red triangle symbol and messages praising the former Supreme Leader of Iran Ruhollah Khomeini in exchange for $7,000 from his Iranian handlers.
Police also reported that his alleged contacts, who are said to have been Iranian operatives, urged him to take photos of military infrastructure and the home of Shin Bet’s director Ronen Bar.
Kitov never acted on these alleged incitements, but did allegedly offer to photograph the home of former minister Benny Gantz.
He was indicted today at the Lod District Court on the charge of having contact with a foreign agent.
It is the latest case of Israeli citizens finding themselves in the dock over alleged connections with foreign intelligence agencies.
In January this year, two IDF reservists were charged with having contact with a foreign agent and aiding an enemy in wartime after allegedly being involved in the leaking of sensitive information regarding the Iron Dome air defence system.
Yuri Eliasfov and Georgi Andreyev were accused of passing the information to Tehran in exchange for money.
Likewise, in October 2024, a group of seven Azerbaijani-Israelis from Haifa were charged with aiding an enemy in wartime after allgedly spying for Iran for as long as two years, including surveilling military bases and security officials.
