Soldier Posed as Teen, Lured Minors into Sending Explicit Photos, Threatened Grenade Attack

A 20-year-old active-duty soldier, residing in Bat Yam, had his arrest extended until Thursday, September 10th, as he faces charges of sexual offenses against minors. The soldier allegedly created a fake online persona, posing as a 16-year-old boy on TikTok to connect with girls aged 14 and 15. He then moved their conversations to WhatsApp, where he allegedly persuaded them to send him explicit photos.

Investigators suspect that after receiving the photos, the soldier's behavior shifted, and he began to extort and threaten the minors. In one recorded exchange, he is accused of threatening a girl by saying, "I will throw a grenade at your house, I will murder you and your family." The suspect reportedly admitted to concealing his true age, stating, "If I had told them I was 20, they wouldn't have spoken to me. I saw they were minors."

He is accused of sexual offenses against minors, sexual extortion, sexual harassment, and threats. A warrant for his arrest was issued on August 25th, and he was subsequently apprehended by Bat Yam police. His detention was extended by the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court until September 10th.

During the investigation, the suspect's mother claimed he has special needs and suffers from attention deficit disorder. At his lawyer's request, the soldier is expected to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Police in Bat Yam are continuing their investigation into his online activities and the full extent of the alleged offenses.