IDF Soldier Sentenced to Five Years for Contacting Iranian Agent

A military court has sentenced an IDF soldier to five years in prison for serious security offenses, including contact with a foreign agent and passing information that could benefit enemy forces. The case unfolded in 2025 when the soldier began receiving messages on his private Telegram account from various individuals, some later identified as having ties to Iran. Initially, these messages offered him job opportunities.

The situation escalated when an Iranian agent directly contacted the soldier, offering payment for photography assignments. The soldier accepted this offer and sent the agent two videos he filmed, showcasing missile interceptions in civilian areas during Operation Rising Lion. He received payment for one of these videos and also sent additional footage, including a video of a direct missile impact that he found online.

Under significant pressure, the soldier decided to report his contact with the foreign agent to an official in his military unit, leading to his arrest by the Shin Bet the following day. During the sentencing phase, military prosecutors sought a seven-year prison term, highlighting the severity of the offenses and the substantial security risks posed by the soldier's actions. They argued that a lengthy sentence would serve as both a personal and general deterrent.

In delivering its sentence, the military court underscored the gravity of the offenses, particularly given that the defendant was an active-duty soldier during a time of war in Israel. However, the judges also considered mitigating factors, noting that the soldier did not transmit classified military information or data obtained through his military duties. Furthermore, he voluntarily reported the contact and ended it without delay. Ultimately, the court imposed a five-year prison sentence, a suspended sentence, a fine of NIS 1,000, and a demotion to the rank of private.