Israeli Soldier Convicted for Espionage on Behalf of Iran

An Israeli soldier has been sentenced to five years of suspended imprisonment after admitting to accepting payment for providing surveillance videos to an Iranian operative via Telegram.

Espionage via Telegram

The convicted soldier accepted assignments from handlers identified by intelligence services as having links to Iran. The soldier was specifically solicited to perform “photography assignments” and was paid for at least one of these recordings.

According to the Times of Israel, investigations led by police, military police, and intelligence services revealed the soldier sent an Iranian officer two videos documenting missile interceptions. These recordings were captured at civilian sites rather than military bases. Additionally, the soldier shared footage found online, including a video of a rocket impact.

Admission and Sentencing

The soldier confessed to the activities after feeling pressured, subsequently notifying his military unit commander of his contact with a foreign agent. He was arrested by counter-intelligence the following day.

Military prosecutors had sought a seven-year prison sentence, citing the scale of the actions and the need for deterrence. However, the military court took into account that the soldier did not leak classified military secrets or information linked to his official duties. The court also noted that he voluntarily severed ties with the Iranian handler and reported the incident to his superiors.

The final verdict included a five-year suspended prison sentence, a 1,000 shekel fine, and a formal demotion to the rank of private.