Iran is allegedly targeting Israelis abroad by enticing them into meetings in various countries. Recently, an Israeli businessman narrowly escaped an Iranian attempt to harm him outside of Israel, according to a report published this morning (Tuesday) by the National Security Council (NSC).
The Threat: Iranian ‘Lure’ Attacks on the Rise
In one recent incident, Iranian operatives tried to lure an Israeli businessman to the UAE for harm. The operatives contacted him via the Telegram app, posing as representatives of the Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya Farsi. They attempted to entice him to Dubai and sent malicious links and files containing spyware, granting them covert access to his phone. The businessman grew suspicious, reported the incident to the NSC, which confirmed the perpetrators were linked to Iranian terror groups.
The NSC fears similar “lure” attacks might follow, particularly in non-Western countries where Israeli protective measures, while robust, are more limited. The greatest concern is a repeat of the 2000 case involving Colonel (Res.) Elhanan Tannenbaum, a senior IDF reservist and businessman. Tannenbaum was tricked into a business meeting in the UAE and kidnapped by Hezbollah. He was released years later as part of a prisoner exchange deal with the terror group.
NSC Recommendations: Stay Safe Online and Verify Identities
To reduce risks, the National Security Council issued several safety guidelines: Protect your privacy on social media by avoiding the sharing of sensitive details like phone numbers, real-time location, and future plans.Always verify the identity of unknown contacts, whether business, academic, or otherwise. Use multiple communication platforms, such as cross-checking through text and video calls, to confirm the identity of the person reaching out.
