Israeli Man Accused of Espionage and Assassination Plans for Iran
In a shocking development, Mordecai "Moti" Meman, a 73-year-old Israeli resident of Ashkelon, has been accused of espionage and plotting the assassination of high-ranking Israeli officials. Meman, who has a complex personal history including living abroad, was arrested last August on suspicion of ties to Iranian intelligence. The indictment against him outlines serious charges, including contact with foreign agents and unauthorized entry into enemy territory.
According to the indictment, Meman allegedly traveled to Iran twice in the past six months, where he met with Iranian intelligence officials. During these meetings, he was reportedly offered financial incentives to carry out assassinations, including plans targeting prominent figures such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Meman, however, expressed skepticism about executing such high-profile attacks due to the security measures surrounding these individuals.
The prosecution claims that Meman acted out of greed, demanding a million dollars as an advance for carrying out any tasks. Despite his discussions with Iranian agents about potential terrorist acts, no concrete plans were executed, largely attributed to his refusal to accept their terms. Meman's attorney, Eyal Besergalik, defends him by asserting that he has previously assisted Israeli security services and that his family has a history of serving in the military. He describes Meman's actions as an error in judgment rather than outright treason.
Community Shocked by Espionage Allegations
Meman's neighbors expressed disbelief upon learning of his arrest, describing him as someone who frequently lamented the high cost of living in Israel. Eyewitnesses reported that plainclothes police officers conducted a dramatic arrest at his residence, leaving the community in shock. Meman, who is married to a younger Belarusian woman and has a small child, has lived in the area for only a few months.
The indictment also reveals Meman's troubling criminal history, which includes five previous convictions for offenses such as extortion and tax evasion. This background raises further questions about his motivations and reliability. As the case unfolds, Meman remains in custody as authorities continue to investigate the full extent of his alleged espionage activities and connections to Iranian intelligence.
