From the Chief of Staff's Home to the Minister's House: The American Hasid's Espionage Trail

An investigation file exposed by N12 reveals a serious espionage affair: an American Satmar Hasid, Yaakov Perl, was recruited by Iranian intelligence and documented sensitive sites for them, including the home of former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and the security arrangements of Minister Ben Gvir. Perl was arrested by Lahav 433 and the Shin Bet, admitted to pocketing about $15,000, and showed no remorse. An indictment was filed against him.

An investigation file exposed by N12 reveals a serious espionage affair: an American Satmar Hasid, Yaakov Perl, who arrived in Israel, was recruited by an Iranian handler and documented sensitive sites for him. Among the tasks he performed: documenting the streets and entrance to the home of former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and photographing Minister Ben Gvir and his security arrangements up close. The Iranian handler instructed him on how to avoid exposure and even sent him $1,200, of which $1,000 was for completing previous tasks. Perl refused, for religious reasons, to photograph the minister's wife on the Temple Mount. He was arrested by Lahav 433 and Shin Bet investigators, admitted to pocketing about $15,000, and showed no remorse. A serious indictment was filed against him at the Tel Aviv District Court. The investigation highlights that Iran continues to try to recruit Israelis.