Israeli lawyer indicted over alleged contact with foreign agent, obstruction of justice

An Israeli lawyer was arrested earlier this month by Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on suspicion of security offenses.

The State Attorney’s Office filed an indictment against her with the Central District Court in Lod on Monday, charging her with contact with a foreign agent and obstruction of justice.

The case remains under gag order; the Central District Court in Lod allowed publication of only a brief summary at the request of security authorities.

The prosecution said that the investigation revealed that she was in contact with a foreign agent and also committed acts of obstruction of justice.

The prosecution also requested that she be detained until the proceedings against her conclude.

The announcement concerning the lawyer did not identify the foreign agent’s affiliation or disclose the nature of their alleged contact.

Authorities announce efforts by Iran to recruit Israelis

Authorities have announced a series of cases involving alleged Iranian efforts to recruit Israelis through social media and messaging platforms. In those cases, prosecutors have described offers of payment for assignments ranging from photography and information-gathering to threats and violent acts.

In April, prosecutors indicted two young Israelis in a case involving alleged contact with Iranian intelligence. According to the indictment, the main defendant was approached through a Telegram group and offered money for illegal assignments. The second defendant allegedly helped prepare forged documents purporting to contain classified information about Israeli and US plans to attack Iran.

In February, the Jerusalem District Court sentenced Elimelech Stern to three years in prison after convicting him of contact with an Iranian intelligence operative and conspiracy to threaten. His case involved assignments carried out in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.