Suspected Iranian spy to be held for 8 more days in Israel

An Israeli court ruled Monday to extend by eight days the detention of suspected Iranian-born Belgian national spy Ali Mansouri. Mansouri, 55, is scheduled to attend a remand hearing Oct. 7, The Jerusalem Post reported. Mansouri was arrested earlier this month at Ben-Gurion Airport leaving the country, heading for a European destination. During his stay in Israel, he allegedly attempted to establish business ties in Tel Aviv. When arrested he had in his possession many photos of himself as well as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and other sites in the country that interested the Iranian intelligence, the Shin Bet said. Mansouri was reportedly asked to compile intelligence information on U.S interests and other Israeli sites in Israel in preparation for attacks, the Shin Bet said. Mansouri's arrest was a "cheap shot" at delegitimizing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's recent attempts to present a moderate face to the West, The Tehran Times said.