Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet seeks to recruit Turkish speakers
Israeli security forces block a street as Palestinians take part in Friday noon prayers in the east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Ras al-Amud, on November 24, 2023 (AFP Photo)
Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, has issued a recruitment call for Turkish speakers, a move seen as part of a broader effort to enhance intelligence operations amid evolving geopolitical developments, according to a report by Kann News.
Shin Bet’s recruitment effort
Shin Bet recently published a job listing seeking individuals fluent in Turkish to work within Israel’s internal security operations.
While the agency has not publicly specified the reasons for the hiring initiative, the recruitment aligns with Israel’s concerns over Türkiye’s increasing regional influence, particularly in Syria.
Growing Israeli concerns over Türkiye’s regional influence
Türkiye’s role in the region has been a growing point of focus for Israeli intelligence agencies, especially following the expansion of Turkish-backed forces in Syria.
Until recently, Türkiye was not considered a direct security concern due to the geographic distance between the two countries. However, analysts now suggest that shifts in regional dynamics may require closer monitoring of developments involving Türkiye.
Deterioration in Türkiye-Israel relations
Tensions between Israel and Türkiye have escalated significantly following the events of October 7.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has aligned Türkiye with South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide due to its actions in Palestine.
In addition, Türkiye announced a full suspension of trade with Israel until the Israel’s violent actions in Gaza ends.
Shin Bet arrests a man in suspicion of collaborating with Iran
The Shin Bet security agency and Israel police recently announced on Thursday that Daniel Kitov, a 26-year-old man from Petah Tikva, had been arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Iran.
According to the information provided by the authorities, Kitov conducted a number of missions, including graffiti and other forms of vandalism in the neighboring cities of Petah Tikva and Rosh HaAyin in central Israel.
He was accused by the investigators of having several months of communication with an Iranian official. One of his most important assignments was to take pictures of military installations and Shin Bet chairman Ronen Bar’s home. According to reports, he was also asked if he knew any Israeli air force pilots.
At least 14 comparable espionage instances involving Israeli nationals working for Iranian intelligence agencies have reportedly been discovered in Israel in the last year.
