Intelligence community concerns of Hizbullah kidnap attempts are not new, nor is the fact that the internet today serves as a means towards achieving these diabolical goals.

Nevertheless, it appears that terrorists are exhibiting increasingly witty behavior as they try to entice Israelis into compromised situations so they may become the next bargaining pawn to negotiate the release of terrorists from Israeli prisons.

ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) officials report that of late, they have learned of increased terrorist activities on forums such as Facebook, either to trap the next victim or to enlist additional ‘fighters’ in the ongoing anti-Zionist war. Hamas is playing a major role on the internet, and Hizbullah is believed behind much of the internet terrorism.

Some of the warnings include offers for handsome salaries and professional positions abroad, meeting unknown people in unfamiliar locations, and of course social settings, which involve meeting an unfamiliar second party.

Intelligence community officials are once again urging Israelis to refrain from giving any personal information to an unfamiliar person, including name, address, phone number, and even email address. This warning is especially potent for soldiers, and soldiers from combat and elite units.

There have been numerous warnings to military personnel in the past to refrain from posing photos of bases, installations and training events on such forums. A number of soldiers who violated this have been sent to jail.

Intelligence community officials have been aware of terrorist cyberspace activities for some time, realizing Israeli sites are monitored and scanned for information, especially seeking any bit of information pertaining to elite IDF units and personnel.

Over recent years, arrests have been made in Israel of suspects who were enlisted to assist the enemy on the internet.

One recent case involves a citizen who reported to the Shin Bet that a person presenting himself as a Lebanese businessman requested classified information, willing to pay for it.

Security officials are highlighting the need for vigilance on the internet and request and advise that when in doubt, one should err on the side of caution.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)