Rabbi Yigal Cohen urges the Orthodox community to avoid spying for Iran as Israeli authorities launch a targeted public awareness campaign.
Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a member of Israel's Chief Rabbinate, has issued a formal appeal to the Haredi community to stop cooperating with Iranian intelligence. The administration of the campaign seeks to address a growing number of espionage cases where dozens of Israeli citizens, including active-duty soldiers and reservists, have been charged with spying for Tehran over the last two years. Israeli officials enlisted Rabbi Yigal Cohen and other prominent figures, such as commentator Israel Cohen and journalist Mendel Unger, to warn the public against the "blasphemy" of betraying their people. Iranian operatives frequently use social media to recruit citizens with financial incentives, starting with simple tasks like photographing locations before escalating to more serious operations. The surge in espionage cases has even necessitated logistical changes, leading the Israel Prison Service to open a dedicated wing at Damon Prison to house those indicted on Iran-linked charges. Authorities hope that by utilizing respected religious leaders, they can effectively turn the tide against these growing intelligence threats.