who is the Russian historian accused of s

Key Points:

• Artyom Kirpichenok, a Russian-born historian and former Israeli citizen who served in the IDF, was reportedly arrested at Ben Gurion Airport on suspicion of spying for Iran; he had immigrated to Israel in the early 1990s but later returned to Russia and became a vocal critic of Israel.
• Kirpichenok, who studied at Hebrew University and led a research institute focused on the Arab world and Central Asia, published works sharply critical of Israel and Zionism, including justifying Hamas' actions after the October 7 massacre and describing Israeli policies in the West Bank as apartheid.
• Reports indicate Kirpichenok visited Iran multiple times despite holding Israeli citizenship, and activists claim he was lured to Israel under the pretense of lecturing at a conference, which they believe was a trap leading to his arrest.
• In his writings and public statements, Kirpichenok condemned the establishment of Israel as a tragedy for both Palestinians and Jews, criticized immigrant communities in Israel, and promoted his anti-Israel views through Russian and Turkish media outlets.
• A documentary titled “Garden of Bitter Memories” features Kirpichenok discussing his disillusionment with Israel, his IDF service, and his advocacy for dialogue with those wishing to emigrate from Israel.