Defense

Israel Enlists Haredi Rabbis to Counter Iranian Spy Recruitment

Published

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of Rabbi Yigal Cohen in a black hat and dark suit, with his long white beard prominent against a softly rendered urban background

Israeli security authorities have enlisted Haredi rabbis and social-media influencers to warn their communities about Iranian attempts to recruit spies online. Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a Chief Rabbinate Council member and head of the Yabia Omer institutions, said security officials approached him after Iranians sought photographs of sensitive locations and help moving weapons. A new account says at least nine exposed espionage cases involved Haredi suspects, while police have filed indictments in more than 60 Iranian-recruitment cases overall. Cohen urged anyone receiving an Iranian request, even for a simple photograph, to disengage and report it immediately.

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