2 Israelis arrested for assassination plot on behalf of Iranian operative

Two Israelis have been arrested today for carrying out acts of sabotage on behalf of Iran, including a plot to assassinate a senior Israeli figure, according to a joint statement from Shin Bet and Israel Police.

The primary suspect, 30-year-old Vladislav Viktorson from Ramat Gan, was approached last August by an Iranian operative named “Mari Hossi” through social media. Viktorson, knowing Hossi represented an Iranian entity, recruited his 18-year-old partner, Anna Bernstein, and another local resident.

According to The Times of Israel, the group carried out a series of vandalism and arson attacks, including spraying inflammatory graffiti, setting cars ablaze near Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, and starting fires in nearby forests.

Viktorson was also tasked with destroying ATMs, damaging communication infrastructure, photographing political protesters, and attempting to recruit homeless individuals for further activities. The pair documented their actions and received $5,000 for their efforts.

Moreover, according to the statement, Hossi instructed Viktorson to assassinate a prominent Israeli by throwing a hand grenade into their home. Viktorson agreed and attempted to buy weapons, including sniper rifles, pistols and grenades.

Though the target was not named, Viktorson and Bernstein were charged with multiple security offences. Prosecutors have requested that both suspects be held until the trial’s conclusion, as reported by Channel 13. 

“This investigation reveals, once again, the efforts of the Iranian intelligence agencies to recruit and exploit Israeli citizens in order to promote espionage and terrorist activity in Israel,” a senior Shin Bet official said in the agency’s statement.

The official noted that the investigation also uncovered numerous fake Iranian social media profiles, which were being monitored for information. “The exposure of the activity led to the arrest and interrogation of Israeli citizens who were tempted to carry out missions,” he added.

In recent months, Shin Bet has announced several Iranian plots aimed at manipulating Israelis online for Tehran’s objectives. Last month, an Israeli civilian was arrested for allegedly being recruited by Iran to assist in a plan to assassinate high-ranking Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, or Shin Bet’s head, reported The Times of Israel.

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