Israeli Court Sentences Man to 13.5 Years for Spying for Iran

The Central District Court in Lod has sentenced Alexander Granovsky of Petah Tikva to 13.5 years in prison for endangering state security by collaborating with an Iranian agent. Granovsky maintained ongoing contact with the agent via Telegram, carrying out various security-related tasks for Iran while Israel is engaged in conflict on multiple fronts, including against Iran.

Under the agent's direction, Granovsky filmed power stations and the neighborhood of MK Benny Gantz, sending the videos to his handler. He also set fire to nine vehicles, spray-painted graffiti, was instructed to destroy IDF uniforms, and acted as a go-between to find individuals with criminal records for violent acts.

Granovsky was aware of the agent's hostile intentions toward Israel but continued to cooperate, even proactively suggesting missions and repeatedly requesting more significant tasks. He received thousands of dollars in digital currency for his services. He confessed to and was convicted of all charges, including contact with a foreign agent, providing information to the enemy, property damage, and arson.

Prosecutors stated that Granovsky's sentence is the most severe handed down to date in a series of cases involving individuals who contacted Iranian agents online and acted on their behalf. The State Prosecution emphasized its zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger Israel's security and vowed to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

The court noted that the heavy sentence, agreed upon by both prosecution and defense, serves as a significant deterrent, warning anyone tempted by financial gain to act for hostile entities of severe consequences.