Israeli-American Arrested in Israel on Suspicion of Spying for Iran
An Israeli-American dual citizen, Yaakov Perl, 49, was arrested in Israel this month on suspicion of espionage activities on behalf of Iranian intelligence, Israeli authorities announced. Perl is accused of gathering information on Israeli public figures and locations for Iranian handlers.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
According to the Israel Police and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Yaakov Perl, who had been living in Morocco, is accused of conducting intelligence-gathering missions targeting Israeli public figures and citizens under the direction of Tehran. He allegedly photographed streets and other locations across Israel, sending the information to his handlers. He also received approximately $15,000 in cryptocurrency for these activities.
Investigators say that as early as 2017, while in Morocco, Perl contacted the Iranian embassy in Rabat to request asylum for himself and his family. After receiving no response, he engaged with Iranian-affiliated platforms online. By 2023, he reportedly published articles critical of Israel and Zionism on Iranian news channels via Telegram.
Perl's Cooperation with Iranian Officials
The Shin Bet states that Perl's cooperation with Iranian officials intensified after he published an article supporting Hezbollah following the January 2025 funeral of Hassan Nasrallah. Israel killed Nasrallah in a Beirut airstrike in September 2024. Following the article, an Iranian official contacted Perl and offered him cooperation, which he accepted.
Before returning to Israel, Perl allegedly attempted to recruit others in Israel and abroad to assist in intelligence-gathering. When these attempts failed, he returned himself in July 2025 after renewing his Israeli passport. He then allegedly began carrying out security missions under the guidance of Iranian intelligence officials, passing on information about Israeli public figures and citizens, including former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Ideological Motivation and Charges
Perl is accused of acting with full awareness of the potential harm to Israel's security, motivated by ideological opposition to Zionism. An indictment is expected to be filed in the Tel Aviv District Court. Authorities stressed the case highlights the efforts of Iranian intelligence agencies to recruit Israeli citizens in Israel and abroad for intelligence gathering and terrorist activities.
The Shin Bet and Israel Police described Perl’s actions as particularly grave, stating that he worked on behalf of the enemy from abroad and within Israel while the state is at war on several fronts. They have vowed to continue efforts to detect and thwart terrorist and espionage activities.
Context of Increased Espionage Activity
More than 30 Israelis have been charged with espionage on behalf of Iran in 2025. Israeli Police spokesperson Dean Elsdunne said that after agents make contact with an Israeli, it starts slowly with small jobs, escalating to more severe crimes over time. These assignments often escalate from graffiti and flyers to taking photos of strategic locations and, in some cases, even planning to kill someone.
The US State Department has acknowledged Perl's arrest, stating that they have "no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens" and will provide consular assistance. They declined to comment further due to privacy concerns.
