Israeli Arab citizen indicted for leaking intelligence to Iran

Israeli Arab businessman Yaqoub Abu Al-Qia’an was indicted on Monday for leaking intelligence about Israel to Iran through a Lebanese-Iraqi agent, Israeli media reported.

This was only one charge of a series of alleged national security offences. He was also charged with contacting a foreign agent.

Abu Al-Qia’an is a resident of the southern Bedouin town of Hura. He ran for the 23rd Knesset on the list of the former Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon’s Telem party.

On 10 June, he was detained based on information provided by Shin Bet and Israeli police, The Jerusalem Post reported, claiming that he had direct links to Iranian intelligence.

The indictment against Abu Al-Qia’an alleged that he passed information about the residence of the current Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz.

READ: Iran officials should fear the threats posed by Israel’s Mossad, ex-intelligence minister says

Initially, Abu Al-Qia’an was contacted by the Lebanese-Iraqi agent, and both discussed work and investment, then spoke about politics and security issues.

He sought new business opportunities in Arab countries through his Lebanese-Iraqi source, Ynet News revealed.

In addition, the indictment suggested that he had asked to meet with additional associates of his source, knowing of their affiliation with Iran and worked to keep the ties hidden.

Abu Al-Qia’an denied the charges against him during a court hearing, Ynet News said, stating that he only conducted business with his contact.

Ynet News reported that he denied the charges, despite his alleged confession to some.