Israeli Soldier Sentenced to Five Years for Contact with Iranian Agent During Operation

An Israeli military court sentenced soldier Dmitri Cohen to five years in prison for espionage after he admitted to contact with an Iranian foreign agent. The case arose from events in 2025 during which Cohen received Telegram messages from various sources, some linked to Iran, offering employment opportunities. Cohen engaged with an Iranian agent who asked if he wanted to earn money by filming certain missions. Subsequently, Cohen sent the agent two videos showing missile interceptions filmed during Operation "With the Lion" in civilian areas, receiving payment for one of them. He also sent additional videos from civilian locations, including footage of missile strikes found online.

Under pressure, Cohen reported his contact with the foreign agent to a superior in his unit and was arrested the following day by the Shin Bet. The investigation was a joint effort by the Military Police Investigations Unit, the Military Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet, culminating in the indictment. During sentencing, the military prosecution sought seven years in prison, emphasizing the severity and risks of Cohen's actions and the need for deterrence.

The military court acknowledged the gravity of the offenses and the wartime context but noted that Cohen did not share classified military information or data obtained through his military role. The court also considered that Cohen ended the contact and promptly reported it. Alongside the five-year prison term, Cohen received a suspended sentence, a 1,000 shekel fine, and was demoted to the rank of private.