Two Israeli Teens Charged with Spying for Iran

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, from Kiryat Motzkin in northern Israel, have been indicted on serious charges of espionage for an Iranian agent. The Haifa District Prosecutor's Office filed the indictment against the minors in the Youth District Court.

According to the indictment, the two were contacted via Telegram by an individual who presented himself as 'Daniel.' Initially seeking work, they were offered payment for completing tasks. The boys continued their activities even after suspecting, and later confirming, that their handler was an Iranian operative. They allegedly photographed prominent malls in Herzliya and Tel Aviv, mapping security personnel and escape routes. One of the teens reportedly deleted videos out of fear they could be used for an attack.

The indictment also states the pair sprayed graffiti in their hometown and documented it for their handler. They were paid several hundred shekels, partly in cryptocurrency, for their services. The agent, despite admitting his connection to Iran when directly questioned, continued to assign them missions.

Further charges include attempts to recruit other minors for high-risk tasks. One of the teens allegedly impersonated a soldier from Unit 8200 to gain more assignments. The charges against one minor include contact with a foreign agent and providing information to the enemy, while the other faces charges of aiding contact with a foreign agent and property damage.