Israeli Settler Sentenced for Espionage Linked to Iran

The Jerusalem District Court sentenced Eilimlach Stern, an Israeli settler from the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community, to three years in prison today, along with a financial penalty, after he pleaded guilty to charges of espionage for Iran.

Direct Communications and Cryptocurrency Payments

Reports from Israeli media indicate that Stern established direct contact with an Iranian operative identified by the code name "Anna." The court's findings revealed that Stern performed various tasks as directed by her, receiving payments in cryptocurrency to evade detection and prosecution.

Recruitment of Other Citizens for Intelligence Work

Investigations disclosed that Stern was not acting alone; he recruited other Israeli citizens to assist in intelligence operations, directing them based on instructions from his Iranian contacts.

Prosecution Highlights Growing Threat from Foreign Intelligence

The Israeli public prosecution emphasized that this case underscores a rising threat posed by foreign intelligence agencies targeting Israeli citizens, which poses significant risks to national security.

Surge in Espionage Cases

The Attorney General's Office noted that since Stern's indictment, over 30 additional cases of espionage have been reported, indicating a broader trend of Iranian intelligence activities in Israel that spans various social and religious demographics.

Concerns Over Security Measures

Judicial authorities expressed alarm over the frequency of such incidents, suggesting weaknesses in the existing security deterrence framework, which raises concerns about the potential for further infiltration and recruitment within Israeli society.