Security agencies allege new method used to recruit foreign operatives for attacks
JERUSALEM: Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and the Shin Bet security service announced on Thursday that they had uncovered what they described as a global Iranian recruitment network using a new “proxy-by-proxy” method to recruit foreign operatives for alleged attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets.
According to a joint statement, Iranian intelligence services have shifted from directly recruiting foreign nationals to relying on intermediaries, making it more difficult to trace operations back to Tehran. Israeli authorities claimed the approach was intended to conceal Iran’s involvement while expanding recruitment efforts abroad.
The agencies identified four individuals they alleged were linked to Iran’s Intelligence Ministry and said they played roles in coordinating intermediary recruiters. Iran has not publicly responded to the allegations.
French citizen allegedly recruited
Israeli officials said intermediaries identified as Baback and Nadim allegedly recruited a French Muslim citizen, identified as Tarout Ozokor, who reportedly used the alias “Philip” and was accused of attempting to establish an operational cell.
According to the statement, French authorities discovered his activities and deported him. Israeli officials also claimed one of the alleged Iranian coordinators was killed during the 2026 conflict between Israel and Iran.
The agencies further stated that operational mistakes by members of the alleged network enabled Israeli and international intelligence partners to uncover the recruitment structure despite efforts to conceal its origins.
Broader campaign highlighted
The announcement follows earlier Israeli claims that Iranian-backed networks have targeted Israeli diplomatic missions and interests worldwide. Israeli officials have previously said numerous alleged plots were disrupted with assistance from foreign intelligence agencies.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has stated that more than 30 Israeli embassies have been targeted since October 2023, while Israeli officials have also claimed that dozens of other alleged attacks were prevented internationally.
The allegations presented by Mossad and Shin Bet have not been independently verified. Iranian authorities have consistently denied accusations that they direct or support international terrorist operations targeting Israeli or Jewish interests abroad.
