Targeted by Tehran: How Israelis Can Stay Safe Abroad

Iran is reportedly intensifying efforts to target Israelis overseas, using deceptive tactics to lure them into harm’s way. According to the National Security Council (NSC), a recent incident involved an Israeli businessman narrowly escaping an Iranian plot while outside of Israel.

The Threat: Iranian ‘Lure’ Attacks on the Rise

Iranian operatives attempted to draw the businessman to the UAE under false pretences, posing as representatives of the Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya Farsi. Using the Telegram app, they sent malicious spyware links to gain covert access to his phone. The businessman’s suspicion led him to report the incident, which the NSC confirmed was linked to Iranian terror groups.

This method mirrors past incidents, such as the 2000 kidnapping of Colonel (Res.) Elhanan Tannenbaum, who was deceived into attending a business meeting in the UAE and subsequently abducted by Hezbollah. The NSC fears similar “lure” attacks might follow, particularly in non-Western countries where Israeli protective measures, while robust, are more limited.

NSC’s Safety Guidelines: Protect Yourself Online

The NSC urges Israelis to adopt the following precautions:

• Protect your privacy by avoiding sharing sensitive details like phone numbers, real-time location, and travel plans on social media.
• Verify the identity of unknown contacts—whether business, academic, or otherwise—through multiple platforms, including video calls.
• Stay cautious of unsolicited messages or links, and report suspicious interactions promptly.

Faith and Preparedness

As Iran intensifies its efforts, the call to vigilance is also a call to prayer for divine protection. Psalm 121:8 reminds us: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” While the Israeli government works diligently to safeguard its citizens, we are reminded to pray for the safety of Israelis around the world and to trust in God’s unwavering promise to shield and protect His people.