Overview
- The military court on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 convicted an unnamed active-duty soldier of contact with a foreign agent and delivering information liable to benefit the enemy and sentenced him to five years in prison.
- Prosecutors had sought a seven-year term, but the judges noted mitigating factors that included the absence of classified material and the defendant's decision to end contact and notify his commanders.
- Investigators say the soldier was recruited on Telegram in 2025, accepted paid 'photography tasks' from accounts linked to Iran, and supplied two videos he filmed of missile interceptions plus additional civilian-site footage.
- A joint probe by the military police, Israeli police and Shin Bet led to the arrest after the soldier disclosed the contact under pressure, and the court also imposed a suspended sentence, a NIS 1,000 fine, and demotion to private.
- The case highlights security agencies' focus on online recruitment of soldiers and comes after several reported espionage probes involving Iran-linked contacts, a development that could prompt tighter vetting and digital-security measures within the military.