The Israel Iran spy case involving a 21-year-old US student has led to charges in Israel. Prosecutors say Eli Lavon, an American studying in Jerusalem, worked with Iranian intelligence-linked agents in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.

Lavon studied at a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem. Authorities say he first made contact after responding to a job post on Telegram while visiting the United States in November 2025. They claim an agent later reached him in Israel and gave him instructions.

Prosecutors say Lavon followed several tasks. He took photos and videos of sites in Jerusalem, including an abandoned building and a grocery store in a religious area. He also placed a hidden note inside a cigarette packet at a mall bathroom, according to the indictment. Investigators say he used multiple phones and accounts to avoid detection.

Lavon received crypto payments for these actions. Officials say the total reached about $1,379. The payments came in small amounts after each task. The Israel Iran spy case also includes claims that he later hid a USB drive inside a restaurant and sent a selfie holding his passport to an agent.

In a later request, the agent allegedly asked Lavon to provide names of fellow students. He refused. Prosecutors say he then cut contact with one agent but later communicated with another linked to Iranian intelligence.

Israeli authorities say the case reflects a wider rise in suspected espionage activity linked to Iran. They report dozens of similar indictments since 2023. They say foreign intelligence groups use social media platforms to recruit people inside Israel.

Lavon was arrested on June 9. He now faces charges of contact with a foreign agent and passing information that could help an enemy. His lawyer denies the allegations. He argues the actions do not match the claims in the indictment.

The Israel Iran spy case remains under review as legal proceedings continue in Israel.