Israeli Soldier Sentenced to Five Years for Spying for Iran

An Israeli military court sentenced a soldier to five years in prison after he admitted to contacting a foreign agent and providing information potentially beneficial to an enemy. The case, which unfolded in 2025, involved a joint investigation by the Military Police Investigations Unit, the Military Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet security service, leading to the soldier's indictment. Details about the soldier remain under a gag order.

The soldier received messages on his Telegram account from various sources, some linked to Iran, offering different job opportunities. He was later contacted by an Iranian foreign agent who asked if he wanted to earn money by filming certain tasks. The soldier sent two videos showing missile interceptions, filmed during Operation "With the Lion," from civilian areas, receiving payment for one. He also sent additional videos, including one documenting a missile strike found online.

Feeling pressured, the soldier informed a unit official about his contact with the foreign agent and was arrested the following day by Shin Bet. The military prosecution sought a seven-year sentence, emphasizing the severity and risks of his actions and the need for deterrence. The court acknowledged the gravity of the offenses, the soldier's military status, and the ongoing state of war in Israel. However, it also noted that the soldier did not share military or duty-related information, ended contact with the agent himself, and promptly reported the contact to his commanders.

In addition to the five-year prison term, the soldier received a suspended sentence, a 1,000 shekel fine, and was demoted to the rank of private.