Soldier Indicted for Espionage on Behalf of Iran

The military prosecution has filed an indictment against an Israeli soldier suspected of transferring sensitive military information to an Iranian handler for approximately one year, in exchange for payment in digital currency. According to investigation findings, the soldier revealed details about bases, readiness procedures, commanders, and soldiers within his unit, and was even offered $200,000 to travel to Iran.

The serious security incident came to light after the soldier, arrested last September, was accused of acting for nearly a year in service of Iranian intelligence. He allegedly passed sensitive military data and performed tasks under their direction for payment. The indictment, filed Thursday, includes charges of providing information to the enemy with intent to harm national security, providing information for the benefit of the enemy, and contact with a foreign agent.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Shin Bet, the Israel Police's Ayalon investigation unit, the special investigations unit of military police (MPU), and the IDF's information security department. Findings indicate the soldier was in contact with Iranian operatives for about a year, during which he shared information on his unit's operational activities and IDF readiness protocols. This included details about his personal deployment at the outset of the "Operation Breaking Dawn" war.

Investigators determined the soldier knew his handler was Iranian but continued the relationship and carried out assigned tasks. He received payments via digital wallets as instructed. The information provided extended beyond his unit's activities; he allegedly supplied details on military bases and their locations, and photographed American refueling planes and interceptors at an Israeli airport for his handler.

Crucially, the soldier also allegedly provided personal information on fellow soldiers and commanders, knowing the handler would attempt to recruit them for espionage. He also shared information about a Telegram group for Israelis awaiting IDF enlistment, leading the Iranian handler to join it. The handler instructed the soldier to install encrypted communication apps and offered to purchase a "dumb phone" and a handgun for him. They reportedly agreed on codes and a cover story for their communications, and the soldier was eventually offered $200,000 to travel to Iran.