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Israel’s internal security agency says it has busted an Iranian espionage ring operating in the Yehuda and Shomron and arrested its Palestinian leader.

The Shin Bet said in a statement on Wednesday that 29-year-old Mohammed Maharmeh of Hebron is suspected of being enlisted by a relative in South Africa and working as an Iranian operative.

Maharmeh was allegedly tasked with enlisting suicide bombers and gunmen for attacks against Israelis. The Shin Bet says Maharmeh received $8,000 from Iran for his activity.

The Shin Bet’s announcement came shortly after the Israeli military said that Islamic Jihad was believed responsible for firing Iranian-made mortars at Israel from the Gaza Strip last week.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, 16 Teves, commented on the foiling of the Iranian-sponsored terrorist network:

“The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), with the assistance of the IDF, exposed and foiled a terrorist network in Yehuda and Shomron that operated under the aegis of Iranian intelligence. This is not the first time. They are trying various methods, and in various fields, to attack the State of Israel. I am pleased that the ISA and our security services have succeeded in foiling it.

“I would like to bring it to your attention that Iran is using terrorism against the State of Israel not only with the assistance of terrorist movements such as Hamas, Hizbullah and Islamic Jihad but is also attempting to organize terrorist actions inside the State of Israel and against the citizens of Israel.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)