IDF Soldier Sentenced to 5 Years for Passing Information to Iranian Intelligence

An Israeli military court today (Wednesday) sentenced an active-duty soldier to five years in prison after convicting him of contact with a foreign agent and passing information that could be useful to the enemy.

According to the court, the soldier received messages on Telegram during 2025 from various individuals, some identified as being linked to Iran, offering him paid assignments. One of the contacts, identified as an Iranian foreign agent, asked whether he would be interested in earning money by carrying out filming tasks.

The soldier subsequently sent the agent two videos showing missile interceptions that he filmed from civilian locations during Operation "Rising Lion" and received payment for one of them. He also sent several additional videos filmed in civilian areas, including footage of a missile strike that he had found online.

According to the ruling, the soldier later said he felt increasing pressure from the contact, prompting him to report the communication to a commander in his unit. The following day, he was arrested by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).

During sentencing, the military prosecution requested a seven-year prison term, arguing that the offenses were extremely serious, posed a significant security risk, and warranted a strong deterrent message.

In its ruling, the military court emphasized the gravity of the offenses, particularly given that the defendant was an active-duty soldier and that the crimes were committed during wartime. At the same time, the court took into account that he did not pass on classified military information or information obtained through his military role. It also noted that he ultimately severed contact with the foreign agent and voluntarily reported the contact to his commanders.

In addition to the five-year prison sentence, the court imposed a suspended sentence, a fine of 1,000 shekels, and reduced the soldier's rank to private.

A gag order remains in effect over the case, including the soldier's identity, his unit, the indictment, and the full sentencing decision. Only the military court's approved summary has been cleared for publication.