Israeli authorities arrested Yaakov Perl, 49, a dual Israeli-American citizen, on suspicion of spying for Iranian intelligence, the Israel Police and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said on Thursday.
According to the joint statement, Perl, who had been living in Morocco, allegedly carried out missions to gather information on Israeli public figures, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. (res.) Herzi Halevi.
Perl is accused of communicating with Iranian operatives, attempting to recruit others and entering Israel in July after renewing his passport under Iranian direction. He reportedly sent videos and photos of various Israeli locations and received payments in cryptocurrency.
Police say Perl, who was arrested earlier this month, was fully aware he was working for Iranian intelligence and acted on ideological grounds against Israel and Zionism. An indictment is expected in Tel Aviv District Court in the coming days.
Authorities described the case as a serious example of Iranian efforts to recruit Israelis for terrorist activity, stressing ongoing efforts to counter espionage in Israel and abroad.
