The recent indictment of CIA official Asif Rahman, accused of leaking intelligence about Israel’s anticipated strikes on Iran, has shed light on a longstanding undercurrent of espionage in the Middle East, particularly among Iran, Israel, and the U.S.
A Telegram channel that received the leak denies any ties to Iran’s government, but the case has stirred significant controversy in the U.S., following closely on the heels of Jack Teixeira’s conviction for leaking classified Pentagon documents.
Israel’s Internal Security Service, Shin Bet, announced multiple arrests of Israeli citizens in late October, accused of espionage on behalf of Iran. The detainees, including individuals from Haifa and East Jerusalem, allegedly collaborated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. Similar cases have emerged on the Iranian side, with arrests of citizens accused of working with Mossad, highlighting the complex, tit-for-tat intelligence operations shaping regional security.
Despite advancements in technology, traditional human intelligence remains crucial in these covert operations, according to Sina Toossi from the Center for International Policy. He notes that espionage informs both Israeli and Iranian strategies, revealing deep networks of operatives tasked with sensitive, high-stakes missions.
Among those detained, several Israeli nationals reportedly conducted hundreds of intelligence-gathering operations for Iran. Conversely, Israel’s own Mossad has been associated with high-profile incidents, including assassinations and sabotage within Iran, underscoring both nations’ commitment to a sophisticated espionage game.
Israel has historically managed to resist infiltration by foreign intelligence due to a tight-knit society. However, recent political divisions and societal challenges have exposed potential vulnerabilities. Analysts suggest Iran has exploited these divides, especially among immigrant and minority groups, to establish new channels for intelligence gathering.
The dynamic nature of Iranian and Israeli intelligence extends beyond direct espionage. Iran has utilized disinformation, placing fake reports into Western media to undermine Israeli credibility, and Israel has reportedly aimed to sway public opinion within Iran. Intelligence expert Ahron Bregman suggests that the publicity surrounding recent arrests by Israeli authorities is a deliberate strategy to deter further espionage efforts.
While Israel’s intelligence operations are widely regarded as effective, Toossi argues that recent regional tensions and setbacks reveal that even powerful agencies like Mossad face significant challenges. Despite tactical successes, Israel’s security agencies must contend with resistance from multiple fronts, diminishing the perception of invulnerability that once shielded their covert work.
This clandestine rivalry is likely to persist, fueled by entrenched regional hostilities and an evolving landscape of espionage and counterintelligence efforts.
