IDF Soldier Arrested for Spying for Iran

Israel's security forces, including the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the IDF, have arrested an Israeli soldier suspected of carrying out missions for an Iranian operative. The military prosecution filed an indictment against the soldier on Thursday for offenses including providing information to the enemy with the intent to harm state security, providing information for the benefit of the enemy, and contact with a foreign agent.

The soldier, arrested in September, allegedly maintained contact with Iranian handlers for about a year. During this period, he is accused of transmitting sensitive information about his unit's military activities, IDF readiness statuses, and specific details about his personal deployment during the outbreak of the "Roaring Lion" war. The investigation revealed that the soldier was aware of his Iranian handler's identity and received payment in cryptocurrency for his services.

Further details from the investigation indicate the soldier provided information on military bases, their coordinates, and photographed interceptors, military vehicles, and American refueling planes stationed in Israel. He also allegedly shared details about his comrades and commanders, knowing his handler intended to recruit them for espionage. The soldier reportedly passed on a Telegram group for future recruits to his handler and was instructed to install malicious communication apps for encrypted calls.

The handler also suggested the soldier acquire a "dumb" phone and a weapon, and they agreed on using coded language for communications and establishing a cover story. The soldier was reportedly offered $200,000 to travel to Iran. The soldier's detention has been extended by the military court until November 12, 2026. Security agencies emphasized the severity of the case and urged the public to report any suspicious contact or requests for information.