Teens Posed as IDF Soldiers in Iran Spy Ring

Two Israeli teenagers, aged 14 and 16, from Kiryat Motzkin, have been indicted for allegedly collaborating with Iranian intelligence. The indictment, filed by the Haifa District Prosecutor's Office, reveals that the minors were aware from the outset that they were working for an enemy Iranian operative, identified only as 'Daniel,' but proceeded to do so for a payment of $1,500.

The investigation was triggered by unusual financial activity, leading to a dramatic arrest of the 14-year-old at Ben Gurion Airport upon his return to Israel. The connection between the teenagers and the Iranian agent began when they sought summer employment on social media, joining a dedicated WhatsApp group.

During their involvement, the teens collected intelligence on targets in Herzliya. In an attempt to recruit more youths into the espionage network, one of the minors impersonated a soldier from the elite Unit 8200, an intelligence-gathering corps of the IDF. The younger teen described being initially asked to distribute flyers, then to photograph a local shopping center.

Investigators confronted the younger teen with the fact that he knowingly carried out missions for an Iranian agent. He admitted to this, stating, "Yes, but not missions of a size that could endanger or harm the country, I just wanted money." He also confirmed receiving payment for his actions. The case highlights the extent of Iranian exploitation of Israeli youth for intelligence gathering and hostile activities within Israel.