Two Israelis Charged in Iran Spy Case Amid Expanding Online Recruitment Drive

The Jerusalem Post reports on the ongoing efforts by Iranian intelligence to recruit Israeli citizens through online platforms, a disturbing trend that continues to escalate.

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Sagi Hayek, 19, of Ness Ziona, was arrested in March on suspicion of maintaining contact for months with an Iranian foreign agent and carrying out tasks at his direction.

This latest indictment of two young Israelis, Sagi Hayek and Asaf Shitrit, underscores the persistent threat posed by Iran's covert operations. Security authorities have detailed how handlers use social media to lure individuals with promises of payment, assigning them tasks that range from graffiti and filming sensitive locations to potentially more dangerous activities.

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Even after his family allegedly received direct threats from the Iranian handler, he remained in contact, according to the statement.

The pattern is alarming: a 14-year-old was recently indicted for similar paid assignments, and another suspect allegedly engaged in activities that may have extended to the production of explosives. These cases, often initiated through platforms like Telegram, demonstrate a sophisticated and insidious approach by Iran to destabilize Israel from within.

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Iran increasing use of social media as recruitment platform

Israel, a nation constantly vigilant against external threats, must remain particularly alert to these internal vulnerabilities exploited by foreign adversaries. The Jerusalem Post will continue to follow these developments closely, providing critical coverage of the security challenges facing the nation.

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According to the indictment, he was recruited through Telegram and paid in cryptocurrency.