Israelis arrests suspected Iranian spy

A Shin Bet official said: “During questioning, the suspect Ali Mansouri described entering Israel under a Belgian identity using the alias Alex Mans, and detailed his recruitment and activation process by Iranian intelligence elements.”

Mr Mansouri allegedly said he was promised $1 million for his spying activities inside Israel. He remains detained at an unknown location.

A gagging order on the arrest was lifted yesterday, coinciding with Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s flight to Washington for talks with President Obama .

Mr Netanyahu has warned that Iran still poses a serious threat to Israel and the west, despite Iranian president Hassan Rouhani’s recent display of good will.