Shin Bet and Lahav 433 say Ami Gaidarov, 22, of Haifa, was arrested in March on suspicion of working for Iranian intelligence, aiding the enemy during wartime, and preparing explosives for an attack investigators say was aimed at former prime minister Naftali Bennett. A prosecutor’s declaration has already been filed, and indictments are expected against him and additional suspects.

According to the investigation, Gaidarov had been in contact with an Iranian handler since August 2025, rented an apartment in Haifa to serve as a bomb lab, bought dedicated phones, and documented his work in photos and videos sent back to his handler. Ynet reported that investigators believe he produced roughly 8 to 10 kilograms of TATP and even carried out a live explosives test in the Haifa area.

During the war, he was allegedly tasked with photographing Haifa Port, missile impact sites in the north, and even locating a property from which a fixed camera could monitor the port. Authorities say he brought in friends to help purchase raw materials, hide the explosives, and assist with testing, and that he was paid more than NIS 70,000, much of it through digital wallets.

The case is another stark reminder that Tehran’s campaign against Israel is not limited to missiles and proxies. Shin Bet and police warned last month that Iranian operatives were actively trying to recruit Israelis online during the war, and the agency’s annual report said 25 people were indicted in 2025 for spying for Iran while 120 separate incidents were thwarted.