Israeli Yeshiva Student Charged with Spying for Iran During War

Eli Levon, a 21-year-old American student at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood, has been indicted for espionage on behalf of Iran. During a family visit to the United States amid ongoing conflict, Levon independently responded to a job advertisement posted in a Telegram group called "Yeshivot Telegram." Shortly after returning to Israel, two Iranian agents contacted him via Telegram, directing him to perform various tasks in exchange for cryptocurrency payments totaling approximately 4,225 shekels.

Levon documented several locations in Jerusalem, including the central bus station, an abandoned building in the Bukharim neighborhood, a grocery store, and multiple sites along Jaffa Street, where he was instructed to identify places for hiding objects. He also purchased and concealed a USB device and left a cigarette box containing a note stating "the work is complete," sending photos of himself with his passport to his handlers. Concurrently, he worked at a bakery in Mea Shearim, from which he sent a video to the Iranian agents to strengthen their connection. At one point, he was asked to provide names of fellow yeshiva students and to recruit additional students.

The investigation was conducted by the Jerusalem District Police's Central Unit and the Shin Bet security service. Police investigator Amichai Penta emphasized that several suspects have recently been exposed for spying during wartime, aiding enemy efforts within Israeli territory. He pledged continued cooperation with Shin Bet to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals threatening national security. Jerusalem District Prosecutor Ronit Shnitzer Yakobi warned that seemingly minor tasks offered via Telegram for easy money can quickly escalate into collaboration with hostile foreign intelligence, highlighting the importance of vigilance and immediate disengagement from such contacts.

Levon faces charges of contact with a foreign agent and providing information to the enemy that could benefit them. The case underscores the exploitation of digital platforms by foreign intelligence to recruit and operate within Israel.