Iran seeks spies among ultra-Orthodox: Shin Bet turns to rabbis

The Shin Bet is conducting an information campaign in the ultra-Orthodox sector, warning of Iranian attempts to recruit young Haredim. Service personnel are meeting with rabbis and journalists who disseminate warnings through media and social networks.

The Shin Bet is conducting a special information campaign in the ultra-Orthodox sector to prevent the recruitment of Orthodox Israelis by Iranian intelligence agencies. Service personnel are meeting with rabbis, journalists, opinion leaders, and local government representatives. The Shin Bet has concluded that Tehran views the ultra-Orthodox community as a vulnerable group for recruitment. The service fears that young ultra-Orthodox individuals, due to a lack of awareness, may respond to offers that initially seem harmless and fail to realize that Iranian agents are behind them. In recent months, several publications have appeared in ultra-Orthodox media warning of the danger of espionage for Iran. Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, said that security service personnel contacted him. He called on members of the ultra-Orthodox community not to agree to such offers. Journalist Aryeh Zisman joined the campaign, dedicating part of his column to Iranian intelligence efforts to recruit ultra-Orthodox individuals. Security service personnel also approached journalist Israel Cohen, who voiced warnings on his program on Radio Kol Barama and on social media. Advisor to the Local Government Center, Yedidya Lau, also met with Shin Bet representatives and helped disseminate warnings through ultra-Orthodox local government heads.