Israeli-American charged with spying for Iran after gathering intelligence on senior officials

Investigators also allege that he was compensated through cryptocurrency and received a total of about $15,000.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli authorities are preparing to indict a dual Israeli-American citizen accused of operating as a spy for Iran after years of anti-Israel activity abroad.

The Shin Bet and Israel Police’s Lahav 433 announced that 49-year-old Yaakov Perl was arrested earlier this month upon arriving in Israel.

Investigators say he had been living in Morocco for several years, where he first reached out to the Iranian embassy in 2017 to request asylum.

Although Tehran denied his request, Perl went on to publish anti-Israel articles, including praise for Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Following Nasrallah’s funeral in January 2025, Perl wrote a supportive piece that drew the attention of Iranian operatives.

According to the investigation, they soon contacted him and proposed collaboration. Perl allegedly agreed and even attempted to recruit others inside Israel and abroad.

When those efforts failed, he was instructed to travel to Israel himself. He renewed his Israeli passport and entered the country in July 2025.

Once in Israel, Perl began carrying out tasks assigned by Iranian handlers.

Authorities say he photographed streets, sites, and residences, and transmitted intelligence on prominent public figures, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Investigators also allege he was compensated through cryptocurrency and received a total of about $15,000.

Officials stressed that Perl acted knowingly on behalf of Iran, motivated by his ideological hostility toward Zionism.

“This is a particularly severe case, highlighting Iran’s ongoing efforts to recruit Israeli citizens for intelligence gathering and terrorism,” the Shin Bet and police said in a joint statement.

“The charges against Perl represent extremely grave offenses, especially at a time when Israel is engaged in conflict on multiple fronts.”

Authorities added that Israeli security agencies remain committed to exposing and thwarting such activities. The indictment is expected to be filed in Tel Aviv District Court in the coming days.