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“Heaven forbid, there are those who cooperate with them,” Rabbi Cohen said in a video message.
By United with Israel Staff
Israeli security officials are warning that Iran has intensified its efforts to recruit Israeli citizens through the internet, using deceptive online approaches that often begin with simple paid assignments before developing into serious espionage activity.
According to a report by The New York Times, Israeli authorities have increasingly turned to prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbis to help raise awareness of the threat, asking trusted religious figures to warn their communities against contact with suspected Iranian operatives.
Investigators say the recruitment attempts typically begin with requests to photograph streets, buildings, or other public locations in exchange for money. Over time, the assignments may escalate to gathering information on military bases, air defense systems, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive targets.
Much of the contact is reportedly conducted through Telegram accounts operating under false identities.
One of the rabbis who agreed to issue a public warning was Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a member of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council who has a large following on social media.
“Heaven forbid, there are those who cooperate with them,” Rabbi Cohen said in a video message.
“I am begging you, there is no greater blasphemy than seeing a Torah-abiding, observant Jew betray his people,” he added, warning that contact with Iranian agents could lead to imprisonment and destroy the lives of those involved.
Rabbi Cohen said he released the message after receiving a briefing from Israeli security officials about Tehran’s recruitment campaign.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that Iranian operatives often disguise their true intentions at the beginning of the relationship, offering money for seemingly minor tasks before gradually pressuring recruits to carry out more dangerous missions.
Israeli security agencies have urged citizens to avoid responding to suspicious online offers, especially those involving payments for photography, surveillance, or information about public and security-related sites.
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