In a joint operation by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the Israel Police, Makdad Moder Hosni Nator, an Israeli citizen and resident of Qalansawe, was arrested for questioning on suspicion of contact with a foreign intelligence agent and carrying out tasks under that agent’s direction.
During his interrogation, it emerged that while searching for employment, the suspect approached the Al Jazeera channel. Representatives of the channel referred him to another individual who was acting on behalf of a hostile entity, with the aim of advancing the execution of tasks both prior to and during the Operation Roaring Lion.
Nator was asked to operate a news page under the guidance of that contact, through which content would be published to amplify messages serving the enemy. As part of the relationship between the two, Nator received payment for his activities.
After the start of Roaring Lion last month, communication with Nator shifted to covert channels. He was then instructed to gather information about missile impact sites, the number of wounded in hospitals, the number of fatalities, and public sentiment among Israeli citizens - information that could significantly harm the security of the country and its citizens.
On Friday, at the conclusion of the investigation, the Central District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment at the Lod District Court.
The Shin Bet stated: “This is a serious case involving an Israeli citizen who, after approaching the Al Jazeera channel, was referred by them to a foreign agent who recruited him to carry out prohibited activities during wartime, fully aware that his actions were harming state security. The Israel Security Agency and the Israel Police view with utmost severity any involvement of Israeli citizens in activities that endanger the security of the State and its citizens."