Northern Israel resident charged with spying for Iran
Wissam Awad, 50, allegedly offered to photograph sensitive sites for Iranian operatives and was tasked with monitoring Israeli troop movements toward Lebanon
A resident of Mazra’a in northern Israel has been charged with spying for Iran after allegedly contacting Iranian intelligence operatives and offering to photograph military and civilian sites in exchange for money.
According to the allegations, Wissam Awad, 50, approached the operatives through Telegram, motivated by a desire to seek revenge for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Awad allegedly filmed the road leading to Camp Shraga and its entrance on his own initiative, saying in the recording: “This is the base you’re firing missiles and drones at.” He later used a satellite image to confirm the base’s identity to his handler.
Despite being instructed not to undertake assignments independently, Awad allegedly went on to photograph the Nahariya police station, including an anti-drone defense system installed above the building.
After telling his handler that he worked in Zar’it near a military facility, Awad was asked to photograph the outpost. He allegedly traveled to the site and shared his location but did not take pictures because soldiers and security cameras were present.
The allegations also include photographing a medical device manufacturing plant in Nahariya and marking its location on a map.
Awad was further tasked with watching for unusual movements of Israeli forces northward along Routes 4 and 70 that could signal preparations for a ground operation in Lebanon. He allegedly told his handler that military vehicles regularly traveled along Route 4.