Israel Enlists Rabbis Against Iranian Spy Drive After 60-Plus Indictments
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 18
Israel Enlists Rabbis Against Iranian Spy Drive After 60-Plus Indictments
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 18
Summary
More than 60 indictments have been filed in Israel over an Iranian online campaign that recruited civilians to photograph sensitive sites, move weapons and in some cases prepare attacks.
Telegram-based approaches often start with small paid tasks under fake identities, then escalate to requests for intelligence on critical infrastructure and air defenses; in May, thousands of Israelis received recruitment texts.
At least nine cases involve haredi suspects, pushing security officials to enlist rabbis and influencers such as Yigal Cohen to issue warnings, including in Yiddish, across ultra-Orthodox communities.
One June 9 case involved a U.S. citizen studying in a Jerusalem seminary who was indicted for allegedly photographing sensitive locations for an Iranian handler.
Israeli authorities say the campaign remains a serious threat despite public warnings and Israel's own deeper intelligence reach inside Iran.