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An Israeli commander stationed at the Nevatim Air Base has been placed under heightened security following a failed assassination attempt attributed to an Iran-backed cell, according to a report by Iran International. The move underscores the escalating threats faced by Israeli military personnel amid rising tensions with Iran.
An Israeli security source informed Iran International that the decision to enhance security measures for the commander and his family was not a routine protocol but a necessary response to a specific threat.
“That’s not a standard procedure for everyone, only those with a threat on them such as the chief of staff or the Air Force chief, but now they put security on him and his family as he was exposed,” the source stated.
The commander in question was reportedly among several targets of an Iranian intelligence network that sought to recruit and activate Israeli citizens as spies for the Islamic Republic.
This network was uncovered last month following a collaborative operation involving the Shin Bet, Israel Police’s Unit of International Crime Investigations, and the Lahav 433 Cyber Unit. The operation led to the arrest of a cell of Azeri-Israelis suspected of links to Iranian intelligence.
The Iranian threat intensified significantly on October 1 when the country allegedly launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at various air force bases in Israel, including Nevatim.
The strategic importance of Nevatim, which hosts not only fighter aircraft but also critical intelligence and multi-disciplinary operations, makes it a key target for Iranian aggression.
“The commander is a very wanted target because Nevatim is in itself so strong a target for Iran. It’s not just fighters; it’s intelligence, it’s multi-disciplinary and a strategic base,” the source explained, highlighting the base’s pivotal role in Israel’s defense capabilities.
The Shin Bet has reported a notable increase in Iranian efforts to carry out assassinations targeting Israelis. In September, the agency announced that it had identified multiple serious plots, some reportedly in advanced stages of planning.
This alarming trend reflects a broader strategy by Iran to undermine Israeli security through targeted violence.
In light of these developments, Israeli authorities are on high alert, not only to protect military personnel but also to thwart potential espionage and assassination attempts.
The government’s response involves an ongoing assessment of threats and the implementation of additional security measures where necessary.
The situation illustrates the growing complexity of the security landscape in the region, with Iran’s aggressive posturing prompting a reevaluation of security protocols across various sectors in Israel.
As tensions continue to rise, the Israeli defense establishment remains vigilant against threats both from within and outside its borders.
This incident is part of a broader narrative of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, as both nations engage in a shadow war that includes cyber operations, intelligence gathering, and military maneuvers.
The focus on Nevatim Air Base serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding national security in a time of increasing peril.
With the Iranian regime’s continued efforts to destabilize the region, Israeli officials are likely to continue enhancing security measures for key military figures to mitigate the risks posed by such threats.