The Mossad thwarted a plot by Iran’s Intelligence Ministry to send foreign nationals into Israel to attack senior Israeli officials, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Thursday. The operation was disrupted through a joint effort involving international intelligence agencies.

The Mossad said Iran’s method involves recruiting criminal proxy networks that, in turn, enlist people already inside Israel or capable of entering the country. Those recruits are tasked with gathering intelligence on potential targets before carrying out an attack.

A French resident identified in Hebrew as T’rot Ozkor, known by the alias “Philippe,” was tasked with recruiting an operational cell composed of foreign nationals and arranging for its entry into Israel. Philippe was handled by two individuals known as “Babak” and “Nadim,” who were themselves directed by officers from Iran’s Intelligence Ministry.

“The Mossad and Shin Bet will continue working with their partners around the world to identify and thwart terrorist and espionage activity against Jewish and Israeli interests in Israel and abroad, and will act to ensure that all those involved face the full severity of the law,” the statement said.

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