Israeli security forces launched a sweeping manhunt Thursday in the Galilee region after being informed by a Galilee resident’s family that he said he intended to commit a “bad act” before leaving the house. According to a police statement, search teams included Border Police and local emergency response teams to find the person and apprehend him before he could do any harm.

The authorities instructed residents in the area to remain vigilant and stay indoors. The Misgav Regional Council also ordered each community to station armed guards at the gated entrances to their communities.

Police have yet to determine a motive, so whether this is a personal issue or security related remains unclear while police investigate.

The manhunt comes amid heightened concerns over Iranian recruitment of Israelis for spying purposes, with 16 serious cases of Israelis communicating with Iranian handlers over the past year and carrying out missions. In addition, dozens of Israelis were indicted for espionage-related activity in 2025, according to the Shin Bet.

The Iranians are seeking information about the locations of potential targets, including Israeli officials as well as critical infrastructure, prompting public warnings by the Shin Bet and Israeli police to avoid communications with Iranians online who are suspected of affiliation with Iranian intelligence.