IDF reservist in classified unit indicted with charges of spying for Iran

An Israeli soldier in a classified unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) faces charges of spying for Iran, according to an indictment unsealed on Wednesday. The soldier is suspected of contact with a foreign agent and attempting to transmit information that could benefit an enemy state. The investigation was a joint effort by the Defense Ministry's Arazim Central Unit and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).

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esoteric

According to the investigation, the suspect maintained consistent communication with an individual claiming to be an Iranian intelligence agent. At one point, the suspect was allegedly asked to help recruit another soldier to communicate with the same foreign intelligence contacts. Security agencies issued a renewed warning against engaging with foreign or unknown agents, urging the public to report any such attempts, which they noted often occur on social media.

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at most included an instance of recklessness

Representing the suspect, attorney Nati Rom characterized the case as "esoteric" and suggested the actions amounted to recklessness rather than intentional harm to Israel's security. Rom stated that his client, who had made personal sacrifices for Israel's security, did not intend to harm state security, describing the situation as "all just a bad joke."

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It is tragic that a man who has given his life and paid personal sacrifices for the security of the State of Israel now finds himself indicted on security charges and imprisoned as though he is a Nukhba terrorist.

Separately, on July 15, the IDF announced that a different soldier, convicted of spying for Iran throughout 2025, was sentenced to five years in military prison. This soldier had received messages on Telegram offering money for sensitive security information and had sent a video of intercepted rockets, though it contained no military data and was not obtained through his official role.

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it was all just a bad joke