Israel: Authorities uncover jihad terror squad led by Iran-recruited Israeli couple

Shin Bet has now issued a wider warning that Iranian intelligence is exploiting social media platforms to recruit Israelis. Fortunately the recruits have not been highly trained, sophisticated traitors; nonetheless, they pose an additional danger to Israeli lives and can “lead to severe national security threats.” For instance, last month, Iran recruited a civilian to “advance an assassination plot of Israel’s prime minister, defense minister, or the head of the Shin Bet.”

“Iran recruited Israeli couple as assassination squad,” World Israel News, October 14, 2024:

Israeli authorities announced Monday that they have uncovered an Iranian-led terrorist squad inside Israel, according to a joint statement released by the Shin Bet internal security agency and the Israel Police’s Lahav 433 anti-corruption unit.

According to the Shin Bet and Israel Police, the Iranian-backed terrorist cell was run by two Israeli citizens from the central Israeli city of Ramat Gan.

Both suspects have been arrested in connection with the plot.

The primary suspect, Vladislav Viktorson, 30, was reportedly in contact with an individual using the alias “Mari Hossi” on social media since August. The investigation revealed that Viktorson knowingly carried out various tasks under Iranian guidance. These included spray-painting graffiti, posting flyers, hiding funds, and setting vehicles on fire near Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv.

Authorities reported that Viktorson later escalated his activities, following instructions to sabotage communications infrastructure, vandalize ATMs, and set forests on fire. For his efforts, he allegedly received over $5,000 in payments. Investigators also discovered that Viktorson had agreed to carry out an assassination of a public figure and to throw a grenade at a targeted residence. He subsequently sought weapons, including sniper rifles, pistols, and fragmentation grenades….