Following the recent Iranian ballistic missile attack on the Nevatim Air Force Base, Israeli authorities said they had foiled a plot to assassinate the base's commander. According to an Israeli security source, security measures around the commander and his family have been tightened due to the threat detected. The move, Iran International's anonymous source noted, is exceptional and applies only to individuals at the level of chief of staff or air force commander.

The commander's figure reportedly attracted the attention of an Iranian cell made up of Azerbaijanis recently detained by Israeli police. The detainees allegedly had long-standing ties to Iranian intelligence, collecting data on strategic sites, military bases and key figures. The Nevatim airbase, which was the target of a massive missile attack in October, is of high strategic importance to Iran. Satellite images after the attack showed damage, including holes in the roof of one of the hangars. The base is important not only for the Air Force, but also as a multifunctional intelligence and strategic center for Israel.

The detention of the alleged agents, including Aziz Nisanov, Alexander Sedikov, Vyacheslav Goshchin, Yevgeny Yufa, Igal Nisan and two minors, revealed multiple instances of their work for Iranian intelligence. According to Israel's Shin Bet security service, the group, consisting of seven Israeli citizens of Azerbaijani origin, transmitted information about Air Force bases, the Iron Dome missile defense facility and the Hadera power plant. The Shin Bet reported that the agents were well paid for their services, including in cryptocurrency.

The investigation, which lasted more than two years, revealed that the detainees carried out tasks for Iranian agents aimed at collecting and transmitting intelligence on military installations and the Israeli defense system. The suspects allegedly carried out 600 intelligence operations, transmitting data on Israeli strategic sites, including information on the anti-missile system and power plants.

In addition to the plot to assassinate the Nevatim commander, Israeli security officials have reported foiling several other assassination attempts in recent weeks. The targets included high-ranking figures, including the prime minister, the head of the Shin Bet security service, and the defense minister. They also foiled an assassination attempt on an Israeli nuclear scientist that authorities believe was also linked to Iranian agents.

The Nevatim airbase and its command remain among the highest priority targets for Iranian intelligence.