A 50-year-old Israeli citizen from the northern town of Mazra'a near Acre was indicted on Sunday for gathering and transmitting intelligence to Iranian agents. Authorities identified the suspect as Wisam Galeb Salah Awad. The indictment, filed with the Haifa District Court, includes six counts of passing information to the enemy with the intent to harm state security, along with two counts of contacting a foreign agent. Prosecutors have requested that the court keep Awad in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
According to court documents, Awad initiated the contact with Iranian intelligence in late July or early August of this year. He reportedly searched for Telegram groups linked to Iran and volunteered to perform photography assignments within Israel in exchange for financial compensation. Prosecutors allege that his motives were twofold: he sought monetary gain and was driven by a desire for revenge over Israel's actions in Gaza. The indictment notes that no specific payments have been described so far.
After Awad joined a second Telegram group using a provided link, an Iranian handler reached out to him. Following two days of communication, the handler introduced Awad to another contact who went by the alias Meytham. Between late July or early August and October, Awad allegedly sent various photographs, videos, and data regarding sites in northern Israel. These locations included a medical equipment factory, the approach to an IDF base, and a local police station.
His initial assignment involved driving twice around a roundabout near the Eden nursing home in Nahariya. He was instructed to film the journey and transmit the video to his handler. A few days later, Awad informed the handler that he worked near the Zar'it military post and offered to photograph it. However, he allegedly sent his location from near the post but decided against taking pictures after spotting cameras and soldiers, fearing he might be caught.
On September 2, Awad photographed the Etgar Medical Instruments factory in Nahariya and sent the image to his handler. He also marked the factory's precise location on a map provided by the handler. The following day, or around that date, Awad took the initiative to film the route from Shavei Zion beach to the gate of the IDF's Shraga base. During the recording, he stated that this was the base targeted by missiles and drones. He then sent the video to the Telegram group for delivery to Meytham and later confirmed the base's identity on a satellite image.
Although the handler subsequently instructed Awad not to act on his own initiative, prosecutors claim he independently photographed the Nahariya police station and its protective anti-drone netting several days later. These images were also sent to the Iranian contact.
In October, the handler requested reports on unusual northbound IDF movements along Highways 4 and 70. This information was intended to help identify preparations for a possible ground operation in Lebanon. Awad agreed to the request and noted that military vehicles frequently traveled on Highway 4.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency. It began last month, during which time Awad's detention was extended periodically. Investigators searched his home and seized mobile phones and computers. The indictment was filed by attorney Shir Mushiov of the Haifa District Attorney's Office criminal division.
In their detention request, prosecutors highlighted that Awad admitted to the alleged conduct during questioning. Investigators recovered Telegram conversations, maps, and images from his devices. They argued that his proactive approach and ideological motivation rendered him dangerous, even though he had no previous criminal convictions.
