Israeli citizen indicted for spying on behalf of foreign agent
Israeli security services say Mekdad Natour, a former police interpreter, was recruited via the Qatari channel Al-Jazeera and relayed sensitive information during the war to hostile channels
The Israeli Security Agency (Shabak) and the Israeli Secret Intelligence Service (Mossad) announced on Friday that Mekdad Natour, a 47-year-old Israeli resident of Kalanswa and former police interpreter, has been indicted for contact with a foreign agent, espionage, and destruction of evidence. Authorities say Natour transmitted sensitive information to a hostile entity during the ongoing conflict.
According to the indictment, Natour was recruited via the Qatari channel Al-Jazeera, which referred him to another foreign agent. He was tasked with gathering intelligence on missile impacts, relaying messages from the Home Front Command, and reporting on civilian life in Israel.
Investigators said Natour also visited hospitals near missile strike sites to collect information on casualties, including the number of wounded and killed. He was required to compile daily reports summarizing the conduct of everyday life during the conflict. In return for his activities, Natour received monetary payment from the hostile entity.
Shabak and Mossad described the case as a serious breach of national security. “The indictment details a coordinated effort by a foreign actor to gather information that could harm Israel and its citizens,” the agencies said in a joint statement.
The indictment follows a thorough investigation that included evidence of Natour’s communications with the foreign agent and documentation of his tasks during the conflict. Authorities say the case demonstrates the risks posed by foreign recruitment of Israeli citizens during wartime.
Natour’s trial is set to proceed at the Central District Court. Israeli security agencies emphasized that all cases of Israeli citizens cooperating with hostile foreign entities are treated with the utmost seriousness and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Officials warned that attempts to collect intelligence on civilian infrastructure, military communications, and public morale represent a direct threat to Israel’s security and to the safety of its citizens.