Israel's internal security service, SHABAK, has detained Artem Kirpichenko, a St. Petersburg-based historian and Middle East specialist, according to Darya Mitina, secretary of the OKP and chair of the "New Labor" union. Background and MotivationsMitina suggested the detention may be linked to Kirpichenko's public criticism of the Israeli government and state policy. "Artem does not hide his views and evaluates the modern Israeli state and its government extremely critically," Mitina stated, noting his international recognition as a critic of Tel Aviv's policies. Kirpichenko lived in Israel for approximately 20 years and served in the Israeli military. As of the time of publication, Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed the detention.