Israeli Regime Charges Dual Citizen with Spying for Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Israeli regime’s authorities have charged a 49-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen, Yaakov Perl, with spying for Iran, alleging he collected sensitive information on key figures in the regime.
Prosecutors accused Perl of gathering data on individuals including Herzi Halevi, the former chief of staff of the Israeli army, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the regime's internal security minister.
Israeli media reported that Perl, arrested earlier this month, had lived in Morocco for years and published anti-Zionist writings.
According to prosecutors, Perl harbored a deep hatred for the “Israeli government” and established contact with Iranian intelligence agents via the internet.
The announcement of Perl's arrest came a day after Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib revealed that Tehran had obtained millions of confidential documents from the Zionist regime.
Khatib stated that some regime employees collaborated with Iran, driven by financial incentives or disdain for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting Iran's successful intelligence efforts amid regional tensions.
Khatib said: "I say to the so-called corrupt criminal prime minister of the abominable regime, the murderer and scoundrel, instead of solving Iran's water problem, think about solving the bread problem of a large number of your employees who cooperated with us for the motive of earning money."
The Times of Israel reported that Perl participated in anti-Israeli protests and published articles against Zionism while in Morocco.
Perl drew attention in the Arab world after joining an anti-Israeli demonstration in Rabat, Morocco's capital, in October 2023.
In an interview, he stated: "True Judaism and true Jews are opposed to Zionism."
After connecting with an Iranian agent, Perl attempted to recruit Israelis and foreign workers for espionage activities.
Prosecutors said Perl traveled across occupied Palestine, filming Halevi's home and gathering details on security around Ben-Gvir's residence for his Iranian handlers.
The Times of Israel noted that Perl received at least $15,000 in digital currency for these tasks.
Perl was arrested on Sept. 4 and faces charges in Tel Aviv district court, including aiding the enemy during wartime, providing information to harm internal security, and supplying data that could benefit the enemy.
