An independent Jerusalem-based journalist was arrested after reporting that he suspected he had been approached by Iranian operatives in January.
The journalist, who believed hostile actors were trying to recruit him for photography assignments and to pass along information, voluntarily contacted Israeli authorities, but instead found himself under investigation on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent.
According to the journalist, who cannot be named due to a court-imposed gag order, the incident began late last month when unidentified individuals contacted him via social media.
He reported that they asked him to photograph various streets in Jerusalem, including demonstrations within the ultra-Orthodox community.
Believing the request to be a possible recruitment attempt by Iranian intelligence, the journalist approached the Jerusalem Police's cyber unit on his own initiative. However, upon arriving to share the information, he was detained and questioned by the Shin Bet and police investigators.
Suspicion of contact with a foreign agent
He spent several days in detention, during which he was interrogated on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent - a serious security-related offense under Israeli law.
According to a Ynet report, during questioning, he denied the allegations against him, saying he was not certain that the individuals he had been corresponding with were Iranian. He explained that inquiries from external sources were a normal part of his professional work.
He stated that he receives numerous inquiries from different sources and has never taken any actions that could jeopardize state security.
The court later ordered his release without conditions.
The journalist has not been formally charged, and no further details have been made public.
The Jerusalem Post queried Israel Police for confirmation of the matter.