National Security Council Issues Warning About Iranian Attempts to Lure Israelis Abroad

January 14, 2025

2:49 PM

Reading time: 3 minutes


The National Security Council (NSC) issued an urgent warning on Tuesday about an increasing number of Iranian attempts to target Israeli citizens abroad. These attempts, which involve luring individuals with false pretenses, are intended to harm or abduct them. The warning follows a foiled attempt by Iranian operatives to deceive an Israeli businessman into traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a complex plot.

According to the NSC's intelligence report, the operatives contacted the businessman through the Telegram app, posing as representatives from Al Arabiya Farsi, the Persian-language division of a Saudi media outlet. Over several days, the operatives attempted to persuade the businessman to attend a meeting in Dubai, all the while sending links and files designed to infiltrate his phone and steal sensitive data.

The NSC praised the businessman for his vigilance, which ultimately prevented a serious incident. His quick reporting led to an investigation, which confirmed that the tactics used in the attempted lure were consistent with known Iranian terrorist strategies.

Risks of Online Communication

The NSC has emphasized the growing dangers posed by online communications, urging Israelis to exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar contacts. The council warned against sharing personal details, such as travel plans, phone numbers, or real-time locations, as these can be exploited by hostile actors for malicious purposes.

The NSC also advised Israelis to verify the legitimacy of unknown contacts, particularly in professional or academic contexts. The council recommended video calls or cross-platform communication whenever possible to ensure authenticity and security.

A Growing Threat

A senior NSC official explained that this incident is part of a broader trend in which Iranian operatives are increasingly targeting Israelis using business deals, conferences, or academic meetings as bait. The goal is to bring these individuals to third countries where the operatives have already set up a harmful operation.

"We are seeing a creative and persistent pattern of attempts to target Israelis abroad, and this trend is gaining momentum," the official said.

The NSC strongly encourages the public to report any suspicious contact from foreign sources to local authorities and the NSC’s Travel Advisory Center. Those encountering potential threats abroad should also reach out to Israel’s Foreign Ministry for further assistance.

For safety updates, guidelines, and support, Israelis can visit the NSC’s official travel advisory page or call the 24/7 advisory hotline at +972-2-666-7444.

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