IDF soldier charged with spying for Iran

What happened

• Israeli authorities lifted a gag order Thursday on the September arrest of an IDF soldier suspected of working for Iranian intelligence, following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet, Israel Police and the Military Police.0404 NewsIsrael Hayomjpost.comThe Times of Israel
• Military prosecutors filed an indictment charging him with passing information to the enemy with intent to harm state security, passing information for the enemy's benefit, and contact with a foreign agent.jpost.comThe Times of IsraelArutz ShevaIsrael National News
• According to the joint statement by the security agencies, the soldier knowingly dealt with an Iranian handler and sent details on his unit, base locations and coordinates, IDF readiness and call-ups — including his own mobilization at the start of the war with Iran — and photographed interceptors, military vehicles and American refueling aircraft parked at an airport in Israel.jpost.comThe Times of Israel0404 NewsIsrael Hayom
• Investigators said he was paid in cryptocurrency, passed on information about comrades and commanders knowing the handler wanted to recruit them, added the handler to a Telegram group for prospective conscripts, was told to install malicious encrypted messaging apps, agreed on codes and a cover story, and was offered $200,000 to travel to Iran.jpost.comThe Times of IsraelIsrael HayomChannel 14Arutz Sheva
• Outlets differ on how long the contact lasted — most reported roughly a year, while Israel Hayom's account described about six months — and a military court extended his detention, with the Jerusalem Post and Israel Hayom citing a date of November 12, 2026.Israel Hayomjpost.comThe Times of Israel0404 News

Why it matters

The Times of Israel reported that dozens of Israelis, among them soldiers and reservists, have been charged with spying for Iran over the past two years, most recruited through social media, and that Israel has opened a dedicated prison wing for such cases.The Times of Israel