The IDF has launched an internal investigation after learning that reserve soldiers from Battalion 699 of the Paratroopers Brigade used eSIM cards purchased from local sources in Lebanon while operating in southern Lebanon, Arutz Sheva reported.

According to the report, the soldiers purchased the cards without authorization and in violation of military regulations in an effort to overcome poor cellular reception in combat zones.

In addition, the soldiers used the cards not only for personal calls but also used them to communicate in company and operational WhatsApp groups during military operations, raising serious concerns about potential information security breaches and the exposure of sensitive data.

Sources familiar with the matter believe the incident may not have been isolated but could reflect a broader practice within the battalion.

After the incident came to light, the battalion commander contacted all reserve soldiers and requested their cooperation in dealing with the issue. In a message sent to the troops, the commander wrote that the IDF was conducting “a survey among combat soldiers following the purchase and use of Lebanese eSIMs during operations in Lebanon.”

The soldiers were asked to provide details about the devices they used, the eSIM numbers, purchase dates, and other relevant information to help determine the scope of the incident. According to the instructions sent to the soldiers, the purpose of the inquiry is to assess the extent of the use and evaluate any potential damage, rather than to focus on disciplinary action.

The IDF is examining whether the use of the eSIMs may have exposed information of intelligence value, particularly metadata such as device locations, network connection times, and communication destinations, even if the contents of messages remained encrypted.

Experts note that metadata alone can provide an adversary with valuable intelligence, including the locations of military forces, movement patterns, and operational areas. Such information could potentially be used to plan attacks, direct drones, or gather operational intelligence.

For that reason, the IDF considers the investigation highly significant as it seeks to reduce security risks and prevent similar incidents in the future.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)