Full Breakdown
Israeli Security Enlists Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis to Counter Iranian Spy Recruitment
7/19/2026, 12:00:34 AM
Core Initiative
Since the Oct. 7 war, Israeli police and prosecutors have identified a sustained online campaign by Iranian agents seeking Israeli civilians to photograph sensitive sites, acquire weapons and, in extreme cases, carry out attacks. To blunt the effort, security officials have turned to prominent haredi rabbis—most notably Rabbi Yigal Cohen of the chief rabbinical council—to broadcast warnings through social-media videos and Yiddish-language radio programs.
Background & Context
Iranian recruiters operate mainly on Telegram, creating fake accounts that first request simple tasks such as photos or videos before escalating to requests for intelligence on critical infrastructure, including Israel’s air defenses. A mass outreach in May sent thousands of SMS offers promising “easy” money for cooperation. Despite public awareness campaigns, the recruitment drive has persisted, prompting authorities to involve religious leaders who can reach the ultra-Orthodox community directly.
Data & Statistics
- Israeli prosecutors have secured indictments in more than 60 espionage-related cases.
- At least nine of the suspects are members of the haredi community.
- A haredi seminary student and U.S. citizen was arrested on June 9 for allegedly photographing sensitive sites for payment.
Official Statements & Responses
Police investigator Amichai Panetta said the suspects “helped the enemy realize its plans on Israeli soil.” Security officials have asked rabbis to issue public alerts, emphasizing that any collaboration with Iranian agents “will end in jail time and ruin lives.” The effort includes multilingual outreach, with warnings issued in Hebrew, English and Yiddish to ensure broad community coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A number of suspects have been exposed for spying for the enemy,” — Amichai Panetta, Police Investigator
- “My wife gets an SMS every other day claiming to be from Iranian intelligence and offering a big reward,” — Shalom Ben-Hanan, Former Shin Bet Official
- “I am begging you, there is no greater blasphemy than seeing a Torah-abiding, observant Jew betray his people,” — Yigal Cohen, Rabbi, Chief Rabbinical Council
- “Cohen said the haredi public was “in shock” at first over reports that members of its ranks had worked for Iran.” — Israel Cohen, Haredi Commentator
- “But the community soon “understood the need to warn against the danger and stop it” before it spread further," Cohen told the NYT.” — Israel Cohen, Haredi Commentator
