Iran allegedly exploits Haredi tensions to recruit agents, 'Israeli' media says
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'Israel’s' internal security agency, Shin Bet, has launched a broad awareness campaign within the Haredi community after identifying what it says are Iranian attempts to exploit the sector to recruit agents and spies, according to a report by journalist Shilo Fried in Yedioth Ahronoth.
The report said Shin Bet officers have contacted Haredi opinion leaders, rabbis, newspaper editors and local authority heads to warn against suspicious recruitment approaches, including requests to photograph locations or transport packages in exchange for money.
Security officials reportedly warned that limited exposure to digital media among some members of the community could make them more vulnerable to online recruitment and manipulation.
Read more: Iran executes January protest detainee accused of espionage
Warnings from rabbis
The campaign has included public warnings from Rabbi Yigal Cohen, as well as articles in Haredi publications including Yated Ne'eman and Rega highlighting alleged Iranian recruitment efforts.
Media figures have also promoted the warnings, while Yedidya Lau, an adviser involved in local coordination, has participated in efforts to raise awareness within the community.
Shin Bet said in an official response that its legal mandate includes preventing intelligence threats, which requires conducting awareness activities to strengthen security readiness among different sectors of society.
The report comes amid heightened security tensions and growing 'Israeli' media focus on alleged Iranian espionage and recruitment efforts. However, the report did not provide verified statistics on the number of cases detected or prevented.
