Israeli Sentenced to Three Years for Contacting Iranian Agents

The Beersheba District Court sentenced Doron Buchbutza, 30, to three years in prison on Sunday for contacting a foreign agent. Buchbutza, an electrical engineer who previously worked as a security guard at the court, acted under the direction of Iranian intelligence officials. He allegedly boasted of having access to the Dimona nuclear facility. The sentence was handed down as part of a plea deal that capped the prosecution's sentencing request at five years.

According to the indictment, Buchbutza initiated contact with an Iranian operative in December 2024 via Telegram, approaching profiles displaying the Islamic Republic's flag and stating, "I am Israeli and I want to work with you." When asked about his motives, he cited financial difficulties "because of the government." He was arrested in February 2025 by the police and the Shin Bet.

The Iranian agent reportedly asked Buchbutza to prove his identity by filming himself making a hand gesture on the street. Subsequently, Buchbutza opened a digital wallet into which cryptocurrency worth 3,250 shekels was deposited. In return for payment, Buchbutza was asked to take photos and videos and to post on social media. Among other actions, he allegedly amplified a post by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and published posts advocating for Noa Argamani and Avintan Or, whom he claimed to know personally.

The probation service recommended leniency, arguing that a prison sentence would harm Buchbutza's self-image as a law-abiding citizen and worsen his mental state. However, Judge Dina Cohen rejected this recommendation, stating that accepting it would send "a weak message," and imposed the three-year sentence.