‘Law of Return’ Israeli Citizens Caught Spying for Iran

Just as the Rebbe predicted: The Shin Bet uncovered a network of 7 non-Jewish Israeli spies, who became citizens through the ‘Law of Return,’ and shared sensitive information with Iran. Over 50 years ago, the Rebbe warned of these aliens becoming a ‘fifth column’ in Eretz Yisroel.

By Anash.org reporter

In a case that has rocked the nation, seven Israelis from the Haifa area have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran.

The suspects, all Israeli citizens holding blue identity cards, immigrated to Israel from Azerbaijan in recent years under the Law of Return. This law allows individuals with Jewish lineage to become citizens, even if only one of their grandparents was Jewish. In this instance, many and possibly all of the suspects are grandchildren of Jewish grandfathers but have non-Jewish mothers. This legal provision, intended to encourage Jewish immigration, has been at the center of heated debate for years, with critics warning of potential risks.

According to security officials, the seven individuals were recruited by Iranian intelligence and engaged in espionage activities over a two-year period. Their missions, numbering over 600 in total, included photographing sensitive military sites, such as the Kirya defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, and the Nevatim and Ramat David air bases. Since the outbreak of war last year, some of these locations have faced threats, with Nevatim being targeted in two Iranian missile attacks and Ramat David being attacked by Hezbollah.

They are also charged with collecting data on Iron Dome batteries, ports, and energy infrastructure, including the Chadera power plant. Allegedly, the suspects received maps of strategic sites, including the Golani training base, which was struck in a recent drone attack. 

Furthermore, they reportedly provided their Iranian contacts with information about the impacts of projectiles following Iran’s April attack on Israel, potentially aiding in the Islamic Republic’s ability to enhance the accuracy of future strikes.

For many years, the Rebbe voiced concerns about the grandchild clause within the Law of Return, particularly warning about the potential dangers of allowing individuals with non-Jewish backgrounds into Israel under a loophole. On numerous occasions (Purim 5730, Shabbos Bamidbor 5730, Shavuos 5731, Shabbos Bechukosai 5733, and more), the Rebbe emphasized that non-Jews being registered falsely as Jews could pose a threat to the country’s security, allowing the formation of a “fifth column” within Israeli society—people who could act against the state from within.

In the Rebbe’s words: “As a result of false registration of non-Jews as Jews, we will face a situation where non-Jews, instead of defending the borders of Israel, will become a ‘fifth column’ that will harm the country and, G-d forbid, cause bloodshed.”

The suspects, who have now been taken into custody, face serious charges of espionage and treason. If convicted, they could face the death penalty. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence agencies are continuing their investigation to determine whether additional suspects or similar espionage cells exist.