Israel disables missile-tracking systems over Iranian infiltration fears

Mounting fears over Iranian intelligence capabilities and growing espionage inside Israeli occupied territories have pushed the regime to impose tighter censorship measures and disable critical missile-tracking systems, leaving northern communities "operationally blind" and abandoned, according to reports.

The Israeli army recently blocked access to a security alert system previously used by emergency responders and local officials in northern Israel to track missile impact zones, Israel's Ynet newspaper and website reported on Thursday.

The decision stems from fears that Iranian intelligence could infiltrate the regime's rocket-tracking system and use the information to improve the precision of future strikes against the occupying entity, it added.

The move comes despite continuing tensions along the Lebanese border, where Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and responses by the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have persisted even after a temporary ceasefire.

The restrictions have intensified frustration and panic among northern Israeli officials, who say the army's decision has left them unable to respond effectively during attacks, with Assaf Langleben, head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council, warning of "operational blindness" caused by the shutdown.

"It is absurd that Hezbollah knows where it is firing, so at least we should also know and be able to deal with the incidents and the responses we are required to provide," he stressed.

Kiryat Shmona mayor Avichai Stern also lambasted the decision, saying that "leaving us without [the system] means abandoning even more lives in an area where most residents already lack protection."

"Now we are also not being given the ability to go out, rescue and save them during fire," he further said.

'We operated like blind mice'

Israeli security officials in northern settlements described scenes of confusion and helplessness during recent missile alerts, with one official confessing that when sirens sounded, "we operated like blind mice."

"When I don't have this tool, I don't know where to run. We are ahead of another round, Hezbollah will again target our homes, and our residents will pay the price," the official warned.

Another security officer criticized the army's response, saying that "no one talks to us, explains, or thinks they owe us answers. They simply cut us off."

"In the army, instead of dealing with how to handle and prevent leaks, they chose the easiest solution and shut everyone out" and that "they irresponsibly chose to punish us," he added.

The crisis reflects deepening Israeli concerns over Iran's growing intelligence reach inside the occupied territories.

Israeli authorities have sharply tightened military censorship since the 12-day war against Iran back in June last year, banning international and local media outlets alike from revealing precise missile strike locations or damage to strategic facilities.

Furthermore, espionage fears have also surged, with Israeli reports indicating that dozens of settlers have been charged in recent years with spying for the Islamic Republic as Iranian intelligence is reportedly recruiting Israelis through financial incentives to photograph sensitive sites and assist in operations inside the occupying entity.

Israeli media revealed this week that Iran has obtained highly sensitive information linked to the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), one of Israel's most important security think tanks connected to both the army and Tel Aviv University.

Reports say Iranian intelligence gathered personal data on researchers – including former senior Israeli security officials – as well as details of confidential meetings between INSS figures and the Israeli military, further fueling alarm inside Israel's security establishment.

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