Israeli soldier sentenced to five years for Iran contact

An Israeli military court has sentenced an active-duty soldier to five years in prison for contacting an Iranian agent and sending videos of missile interceptions during a recent conflict, the Israel Defense Forces announced on July 15, 2026. The soldier, whose identity remains under a court-imposed gag order, pleaded guilty to charges of contact with a foreign agent and transmitting information liable to benefit the enemy.

The case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Shin Bet security agency, Israeli police, and military police. According to the military, the soldier was approached in 2025 through his private Telegram account by individuals offering paid work, with some later identified as linked to Iran. An Iranian handler specifically offered payment for completing photography assignments, which the soldier accepted.

During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, the soldier sent two videos showing Israeli air defenses intercepting missiles. He received payment for at least one of these clips. He also forwarded several other videos filmed from civilian locations, including footage documenting a missile impact that he had found online. Officials stated the...