Israeli Soldier Sentenced to Five Years for Contact with Iranian Agent During Operation
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
An Israeli soldier was sentenced to five years in prison for espionage after admitting to sharing videos with an Iranian agent during Operation "With the Lion" in 2025. He reported the contact himself and was arrested by the Shin Bet. The military court balanced the severity of his actions with his cooperation and lack of classified information sharing.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli soldier Dmitri Cohen sentenced to five years for espionage involving an Iranian agent.
- Cohen sent videos of missile interceptions filmed during Operation "With the Lion" to the agent.
- He received payment for one video and shared additional footage from civilian areas.
- Cohen self-reported the contact and was arrested by the Shin Bet the next day.
- Military prosecution sought seven years, but court reduced sentence considering cooperation.
- Cohen was also fined 1,000 shekels and demoted to private rank.
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.
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