Two Israeli Air Force mechanics who serviced F-15 fighter aircraft are facing espionage charges for allegedly working with Iranian intelligence during the ongoing conflict, according to a KAN news report.
The suspects, named as Asaf Shitrit and Sagi Haik, will face severe criminal charges including assisting enemy forces during wartime. Prosecutors are considering upgrading one defendant’s charges to treason. Court documents are expected to be filed at the Central District Court in Lod.
Haik, a 19-year-old from Ness Ziona, was taken into custody last month following an investigation that revealed months of communication with an Iranian operative. Investigators found that he “agreed to undergo training in one of the Arab countries and was even asked to recruit additional individuals to carry out tasks under their direction.” Despite his family receiving direct threats from the same operative, authorities say he maintained the contact.
According to investigators, Haik drew Shitrit, a 21-year-old from Beit Oved, into at least one operation for the foreign operative, resulting in his arrest as well.
The charges allege that both men were assigned to gather information about former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. They are also accused of transmitting classified materials including aircraft engine blueprints and photographs revealing a flight instructor’s identity.
Eight other military personnel are under investigation for allegedly having knowledge of the activities without reporting them. The base commander conducted a security briefing for all staff following the incident and confirmed he was questioned by Israel’s Security Agency, Shin Bet.
Police and Shin Bet officials stated the defendants “acted on behalf of Iranian intelligence agents, and one of them even intended to travel for training in one of the Arab countries.”
