Israeli authorities announced Friday that they have arrested a 16-year-old boy accused of collaborating with Iranian intelligence operatives in a covert campaign targeting Israel’s national security. The teenager, a resident of the Judean foothills region, allegedly carried out a series of tasks for Iranian handlers in exchange for money, according to a joint statement issued by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet. The activities included photographing sensitive locations, hiding cash, distributing incendiary political flyers, and burning papers bearing condemnations of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Officials say the teen was instructed to purchase a new mobile phone and install an encrypted messaging application through which he could receive assignments. Despite informing Israeli authorities that he had been contacted by Iranian agents, the teenager allegedly continued to cooperate with them, the statement said. At one point, while traveling abroad, the suspect was reportedly offered a face-to-face meeting with his Iranian contacts, though officials did not confirm whether such a meeting occurred. The arrest marks the latest in a growing number of alleged Iranian-backed operations targeting Israeli citizens for recruitment. Over the past year, Iranian intelligence has been linked to a range of subversive activities within Israel, including the dissemination of propaganda, acts of arson, and what officials have described as foiled attempts to assassinate senior Israeli figures. Security officials have long warned of Iran’s use of cyber channels and social media to reach out to disaffected or vulnerable individuals within Israel. While past cases have typically involved adults, the involvement of a minor adds a troubling dimension to the evolving threat. Neither the suspect’s name nor the specific locations he targeted have been released due to legal and security considerations. The teenager remains in custody as the investigation continues. Charges have not yet been formally announced. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)