Works closely with the defense minister - and is accused of trying to pass information to Iran:
Omri Goren, an Israeli citizen who was employed at Bnei Gantz's house, is accused of espionage.
This was allowed for publication today (Thursday).
At the end of a brief hearing, the Central District Court ordered that Goren, who had worked at Ganz's home for about two years, remain in custody pending a different decision.
The next hearing will be held on December 2.
As part of a joint activity of the General Security Service and the Israel Police (Yahaval in Lahav 433) during November 2021, Omri Goren, an Israeli citizen who was employed in housework and cleaning at Ganz's home, was arrested for questioning.
The investigation revealed that Omri, on his own initiative, a few days prior to his arrest, through a social network, contacted an entity affiliated with Iran and offered to assist him in various ways, given his approach to the minister's house.
Among other things, according to the prosecution, he suggested to the representative of the Iranian-affiliated group Black Shadow, to plant a "worm" in the minister's computer using a USB device for monetary consideration.
Defense Minister Ganz at Israel Democracy Conference: "There will be no tolerance for terrorism and disaster, either side" / Photo: Haaretz Conference
Goren located, using the telegram software, the address of a representative of the "Black Shadow" group, contacted him under a false identity and introduced himself as someone who works for the Israeli Defense Minister, noting that he could help the group in various ways.
He added that for a sum of money he would be able to transfer information from home and even, as mentioned, suggested that he be given a "computer worm", which he would plant in the minister's computer.
In order to prove his abilities, during the month Goren photographed several items in the minister's home and sent them to the group's representative by telegram.
Among the items photographed: desk, computers, telephone, tablet, box with a label with IDF affiliation details and serial numbers, a box with a sticker with an IP address, a closed safe and a grinding machine, military souvenirs given to the minister in his previous position as chief of staff, framed photos of The Minister and his family, a bill to pay the Minister's property tax and more.
Goren then deleted all correspondence from the telegram, as well as the photos from his phone.
Defense Minister Ganz.
Be aware of the investigation against the employee, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Goren's intention was thwarted ahead of time in light of Omri's speedy arrest, thus preventing the realization of this possibility.
In addition, it became clear during the investigation that in order to prove Omri's ability and seriousness, he photographed several items in various places in the minister's house, which he sent to the said source, including computer images of the minister.
It should be emphasized that in view of the information security measures and procedures in the Minister's House, Omri was not exposed to classified materials, and accordingly there were no such materials transferred from him to the parties with whom he contacted.
The investigation was conducted with the knowledge of Defense Minister Bnei Gantz.
At the end of the investigation, an indictment was filed by the Central District Attorney's Office in the Lod District Court, alleging espionage to the defendant.
The rapid and immediate countermeasures taken by the GSS interrupted the intentions in question, which could have harmed the security of the state. Along with the success in the GSS, the GSS decided to conduct an investigation into the investigation processes, with the aim of reducing the possibility of such incidents in the future.
Goren has a criminal record that includes five previous convictions between 2002 and 2013, in 14
police cases, in various offenses, including two bank robbery incidents;
Home burglaries and thefts.
For this, Goren was sentenced to four years in prison, with his last sentence, for robbery offenses, being for four years.
If convicted in this case, the prosecution intends to demand that he be sentenced to actual imprisonment.
Advocate Gal Wolf, who represents the cleaner at Gantz's home on behalf of the Public Defender's Office: "After an investigation by security officials, they realized that the cleaner's version was correct and that he had no intention of harming state security and he did not harm state security.
He is wrong because he acted out of financial hardship. "
