Indictment: Yeshiva Student Allegedly Spied for Iran for 4,225 Shekels, Sought to Recruit Classmates

The State Attorney's Office filed an indictment on Friday against Eli Levon, charging him with maintaining contact with foreign agents and performing security-related tasks at the direction of Iranian intelligence. According to the charges, Levon received approximately 4,225 shekels ($1,379) in cryptocurrency in exchange for his activities. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Shin Bet and the Jerusalem District Police. ### Surveillance and Recruitment According to the indictment, Levon's contact with Iranian agents began during a family visit to the United States, where he reportedly responded to a job advertisement in a Telegram group. Upon returning to Israel, he allegedly carried out a series of missions, including photographing the Jerusalem Central Bus Station, a building in the Bukharim neighborhood, and various locations on Jaffa Street. Beyond visual reconnaissance, Levon is accused of performing physical 'dead drops.' In one instance, he reportedly hid a cigarette box containing a note that read "the work is complete" at the Hadar mall. In another, he allegedly purchased a USB drive, wrapped it in a 50-shekel bill, and concealed it inside a Jerusalem restaurant. Crucially, the indictment alleges that Levon was asked to provide the names of fellow students at the Mir Yeshiva for potential recruitment. ### Context and Security Implications This case follows a pattern of Iranian intelligence attempting to recruit individuals within Israel—including foreign nationals and students—to perform low-level tasks that test operational capabilities or gather preliminary intelligence. The Shin Bet has previously warned of such recruitment efforts, which often begin on social media and transition to encrypted communication channels. Levon, who also worked at a local bakery in Mea She'arim, reportedly sent footage from his workplace to his handlers to establish trust. The prosecution has requested that Levon be held in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.