Man Sentenced to 13.5 Years for Aiding Iranian Agent

The Central District Court in Lod sentenced Alexander Granovsky of Petah Tikva to 13.5 years in prison on Wednesday for security offenses, including contact with an Iranian agent and providing intelligence. Granovsky pleaded guilty to all charges, which included communicating with a foreign agent, passing information to an enemy, property damage, and arson. The sentence, agreed upon by both the prosecution and defense, also includes a suspended sentence.

The prosecution stated that the sentence is the most severe handed down in a series of cases involving individuals who contacted Iranian agents via social media. Granovsky maintained ongoing contact with an Iranian agent through Telegram, carrying out various security missions for him while Israel was engaged in conflict on multiple fronts, including against Iran.

Under the agent's instructions, Granovsky filmed power stations and the neighborhood of MK Benny Gantz, transmitting the videos. 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 towards Israel but continued to cooperate, even proactively offering to undertake more significant missions. He received thousands of dollars in digital currency for his services. The court emphasized that the heavy sentence serves as a deterrent, warning anyone tempted by financial gain to act for hostile entities that they face severe punishment.

The State Attorney's Office reiterated its strong stance against any cooperation with agents targeting Israel, its citizens, and security forces, vowing to continue prosecuting those who endanger national security.