Israeli prosecutors charge Yaakov Perl, 49, with espionage after he allegedly gathered intelligence on senior Israeli officials for Iranian operatives—receiving thousands of dollars in return.
Israel’s State Prosecutor’s Office filed a sweeping indictment Thursday against Yaakov Perl, 49, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, accusing him of serving Iranian intelligence and endangering Israel’s national security.
🕵️♂️ Espionage for Tehran
According to the indictment submitted to the Tel Aviv District Court, Perl:
- Photographed the home of former IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi
- Documented security around National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s residence
- Collected intelligence on Israeli individuals and organizations
- Was instructed to monitor groups promoting Jewish access to the Temple Mount
The charges state that Perl maintained direct Telegram contact with Iranian handlers, who promised him monthly payments. In exchange, he allegedly received at least $15,000 via digital wallet.
🔗 Ideology Meets Treason
Prosecutors revealed that Perl had lived in Morocco in recent years and aligned himself with the Satmar Hasidic sect, whose anti-Zionist ideology denies the legitimacy of the Jewish state. Believing Israel’s existence to be a “desecration of God’s name,” Perl allegedly reached out to Iranian operatives in 2023–2024, begging to be recruited and offering his services.
When attempts to recruit partners failed, he renewed his Israeli passport and entered Israel himself to carry out the tasks.
🚨 A Willing Traitor
Court documents emphasize Perl’s initiative:
- He not only followed orders, but also advised Iranians on “the best possible way” to execute missions.
- He allegedly expressed pride in his actions and even vowed to continue operating from prison, including attempts to recruit new operatives.
📜 Charges
Perl faces multiple counts, including:
- Aiding an enemy during wartime
- Providing intelligence to an enemy with intent to harm Israel’s security
- Transferring information beneficial to an enemy
The prosecution has requested that he remain detained until the end of proceedings, citing the severe danger he poses and his stated intent to continue anti-Israel activity.
🇮🇱 Bottom Line
At a time when Iran and its terror proxies escalate threats against Israel, this case underscores how Tehran’s tentacles reach into Israel itself—recruiting traitors willing to betray their own people.
