Israeli Security Agencies Recruit Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis to Counter Iranian Espionage Efforts

A detailed report in The New York Times reveals a growing concern within Israel's security establishment regarding Iranian intelligence attempts to recruit Israeli citizens, including members of the ultra-Orthodox community, for espionage and sabotage. These efforts primarily use financial incentives on social media to lure individuals facing economic hardship. The Iranian operatives pose as businessmen or journalists, initially assigning seemingly harmless tasks that later escalate into security threats.

In response, the Shin Bet and Israeli police have taken the unusual step of enlisting ultra-Orthodox rabbis to warn their communities directly. Over 60 indictments have been filed against Israeli citizens suspected of collaborating with Iran, spanning various demographics including soldiers, civilians, Jews, Arabs, secular, and religious individuals. Notably, at least nine suspects come from the ultra-Orthodox sector.

The security agencies emphasize that most recruits are motivated by financial distress rather than ideology. To combat the phenomenon, rabbis like Yigal Cohen, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, have publicly condemned such recruitment, highlighting the personal and national dangers involved. Ultra-Orthodox commentator Israel Cohen, who helped connect security officials with community leaders, noted the initial shock within the community but stressed ongoing determined efforts to block these recruitment attempts. Warning videos have even been produced in Yiddish to reach the most insular audiences within the sector.