IDF soldier indicted for allegedly spying for Iran, leaking sensitive military intelligence

A soldier has been indicted for providing information to Iran, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israel Police, and the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, announced in a joint statement Thursday. The soldier was arrested in September in a joint operation by the Shin Bet, the Ayalon District Police Investigations Unit, the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID), and the Defense Ministry's security authorities.

The official charges filed by the prosecution are providing information to the enemy with intent to harm state security, providing information for the benefit of the enemy, and contact with a foreign agent.

The soldier's alleged espionage activities involved encrypted communications, coded messages, cryptocurrency payments, and a cover story designed to conceal his contact with Iranian intelligence. His handler also reportedly offered him a substantial financial incentive to travel to Iran.According to investigators, the soldier maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives for approximately a year, fully aware of whom he was communicating with.

During that period, he allegedly disclosed sensitive information about his unit's activities, IDF operational readiness, and emergency mobilizations, including details of his own call-up at the outbreak of Operation Roaring Lion.IDF soldier allegedly shared military base coordinates, photos of US aircraft with IranThe information he allegedly provided included the locations and coordinates of military bases, along with photographs of interceptor missiles, military vehicles, and US refueling aircraft stationed at an Israeli airport.Investigators also found that the soldier supplied his handler with personal information about fellow soldiers and commanders in his unit, despite knowing that the Iranian operative intended to use those details to recruit additional individuals for espionage.In exchange, the soldier received payments through cryptocurrency wallets, following instructions from his Iranian handler.

The investigation further revealed that the soldier gave his handler access to a Telegram group called "Kal Bakrav," which serves Israelis preparing for military service. The Iranian operative subsequently joined the group.

The handler also instructed the soldier to install malicious communications applications that would allow them to exchange encrypted messages. He reportedly suggested that the soldier purchase a basic mobile phone and a handgun.IDF soldier, Iranian handler allegedly used coded messages and cover story to evade detectionTo avoid detection, the two allegedly agreed to communicate using coded language and devised a cover story in case Israeli security authorities uncovered their activities.

The Iranian handler also offered the soldier $200,000 to travel to Iran, according to investigators.A military court extended the soldier's detention until November 12, 2026.In their joint statement, the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and IDF described the case as an extremely serious threat to national security and urged the public to remain vigilant against suspected foreign intelligence recruitment attempts."We call on the public to exercise the utmost vigilance.

Any suspicious approach by an unidentified individual, request to provide information, or offer of payment in exchange for 'services' must be reported to the security authorities," the agencies said.

The security agencies added that they would continue working to prevent espionage and terrorism and pursue legal action against individuals suspected of assisting enemy operatives or endangering Israel's security.