The Haifa District Prosecutor's Office has filed a serious indictment against two minors, aged 14 and 16, from Kiryat Motzkin, alleging their involvement in security-related activities for a foreign entity. According to reports, the two are being prosecuted for a series of offenses defined under the Penal Code, including contact with a foreign agent, providing information to benefit the enemy, and property damage. The legal proceedings commenced following a complex investigation by the Israel Police and security services, which began with the arrest of one of the teenagers at Ben Gurion Airport.
According to the indictment, the minors established contact via Telegram with an individual who identified as "Daniel," who offered them monetary compensation for performing various tasks. The prosecution alleges that even after the teenagers suspected it was an Iranian agent—and received explicit confirmation of this—they chose to maintain contact and execute the assigned tasks. As part of their activities, the two are accused of filming various sites in Israel, including shopping malls in the Tel Aviv and Herzliya areas. One defendant was requested to provide tactical data regarding these commercial centers, including mapping entrances and exits and the number of security guards stationed at the locations. The indictment notes that although the minor feared the materials might be used for a terror attack, he continued to transmit the footage.
Beyond the espionage charges, the defendants allegedly attempted to expand their criminal ring by recruiting additional minors for tasks, with one defendant posing as a soldier in the 8200 intelligence unit to secure further assignments. The two received financial compensation amounting to hundreds of shekels, partially transferred via cryptocurrencies. Additionally, they are charged with graffiti-related offenses in Kiryat Motzkin. The case highlights the growing awareness among security agencies regarding attempts by hostile actors to exploit digital platforms, such as Telegram, to recruit Israeli citizens—particularly minors—for acts detrimental to state security. In response, the Israel Police called on parents to increase oversight of social media usage and remain vigilant toward suspicious solicitations directed at their children. It should be noted that these are allegations detailed in an indictment that have yet to be determined by a court, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the legal process.