An IDF soldier has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of maintaining contact with an Iranian agent and transmitting information that could benefit the enemy, the military announced.

According to court findings, the case began in 2025 when the soldier received messages on Telegram from individuals linked to Iran offering paid “jobs.” He later agreed to film and send videos in exchange for money.

During Operation Rising Lion, the soldier sent the Iranian handler two videos he personally recorded showing Israeli missile interceptions over civilian areas and received payment for one of the recordings. He later sent additional footage of missile strikes that he had obtained online.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division, the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet, ultimately leading to the filing of an indictment.

Military prosecutors sought a seven-year prison sentence, arguing that the soldier’s actions posed a significant security threat and warranted a strong deterrent. The court, however, noted that he did not pass classified information obtained through his military position.

The court also considered that the soldier eventually ended contact with the Iranian agent on his own after becoming uncomfortable with the situation and reported the communications to his commanders, a disclosure that led to his immediate arrest by the Shin Bet.

In addition to the five-year prison sentence, the soldier received a suspended sentence, was fined NIS 1,000, and was demoted to the rank of private.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)