Your argument cannot be considered as an "reductio ad absurdum”, as it didn’t show any absurdity in your opponent arguments. Your argument could be considered as either an “argumentum ad lapidem” (dismissing a claim as absurd without demonstrating proof for its absurdity), but more realistically it is indeed a strawman, as you try exaggerate you opponent argument in order to weaken it (avoid because Israeli != avoid because of possible link to Israeli intelligence ties).

Still, you are right to doubt some of your opponent proofs. I too have my doubt on that claim, but don’t have the time right now to fact check it.
Feel free to link your own research here, if you find more reliable sources.