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Israeli security forces arrested a 24-year-old Palestinian woman from the West Bank town of Beit Umar earlier this month on suspicion of maintaining contact with an Iranian agent, according to a report by Israel’s N12 news outlet on Monday.
The suspect was apprehended on August 6 in a joint operation conducted by officers from the Etzion police station and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Following her arrest, she was immediately transferred for interrogation as authorities sought to determine the extent of her alleged involvement with Iranian operatives.
According to Israeli security officials, the woman is believed to have not only communicated with an Iranian handler but also carried out assignments on his behalf.
Investigators allege that these assignments may have included collecting intelligence and assisting in activities designed to undermine Israeli security in the West Bank. The case has since been taken up by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), in coordination with other intelligence bodies.
Officials say the arrest highlights the ongoing threat of Iranian attempts to establish footholds in Palestinian communities by recruiting local operatives.
“Every link we uncover between Iranian elements and residents of the region represents a direct danger to national security,” a senior Israeli security source told N12. “This case demonstrates Iran’s persistent efforts to infiltrate and destabilize Israel through proxy networks.”
Beit Umar, located north of Hebron, has long been a site of tension between residents and Israeli forces. The town has witnessed repeated clashes during IDF operations and frequent arrests of individuals suspected of involvement in militant activity.
Iran has been accused by Israeli officials for years of attempting to expand its influence in the West Bank through recruitment, financial support, and intelligence collection.
While Gaza has traditionally been a more prominent arena for such activities through Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Israeli analysts say Iran is increasingly targeting the West Bank as well.
The suspect remains in custody as the Shin Bet continues its investigation. Legal proceedings are expected to follow once sufficient evidence is compiled.
Israeli authorities have not yet released the woman’s name, but sources indicate she will likely face charges relating to contact with a foreign agent and security offenses.
Local Palestinian sources, meanwhile, have not publicly commented on the arrest. Human rights organizations frequently criticize Israeli detentions in the West Bank, arguing that security allegations are often used to justify long periods of imprisonment without trial.
This latest case underscores Israel’s broader concerns over Iranian influence in the region and the possibility of local recruitment as a means of advancing Tehran’s strategic interests. For Israeli security officials, the arrest serves as both a warning sign and a justification for continued vigilance.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members