Rabbis emerge as key voices warning Israelis about Iranian spy recruitment

Israeli security officials are enlisting Jewish religious leaders to counter online recruitment by Iranian agents targeting Israelis for espionage since October 7. Iranian agents use online platforms, primarily Telegram, to recruit individuals for tasks ranging from photographing sensitive locations to carrying out terror attacks, offering money in exchange. Over 60 indictments have been secured, involving a diverse group of alleged perpetrators, including active soldiers, civilians, and members of the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) community. Police investigator Amichai Panetta stated, "Some of them carried out their deeds during wartime and helped the enemy realize its plans on Israeli soil." Despite public awareness campaigns, officials have struggled to contain the problem, leading them to seek assistance from influential figures like Rabbi Yigal Cohen, who warned, "I am begging you, there is no greater blasphemy than seeing a Torah-abiding, observant Jew betray his people." Haredi rabbis and commentators are issuing warnings, including in Yiddish, to their communities. The full impact of Iran's campaign is unclear, but Israeli authorities consider it a serious security threat.