Israel’s Shin Bet has begun examining unprecedented measures aimed at deterring acts of espionage by revoking the citizenship of those convicted of spying for Ian, including Jewish-Israelis, Yisrael Hayom reported.

In closed-door discussions about the matter, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has argued for the move, saying: “We must act with severity and use every available tool against Israeli citizens who collaborated with Iran—especially during an existential war. This is an exceptionally grave matter.”

The rhetoric has already been translated into action. According to reports, Netanyahu already instructed authorities last month to examine proceedings to strip citizenship from individuals convicted of spying for Iran, with the Shin Bet now actively reviewing how to implement the measure.

Under the proposed framework, once all legal proceedings are completed and a final court ruling is issued, authorities would proceed with revoking citizenship. The initiative has also received the backing of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Despite its severity, the practical impact of such a move is somewhat limited. Israeli law provides that individuals who do not hold another nationality are granted permanent residency even after losing citizenship, allowing them to remain in the country. However, the consequences are still significant, including the loss of voting rights, the ability to run for public office, and access to certain state benefits, along with broader public image and social implications.

The development comes as three additional Iran-linked espionage cases were cleared for publication this week, adding to roughly 40 indictments and about 60 suspects recruited by Iranian operatives over the past two years—most of them ordinary citizens with no prior criminal background.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)