According to The Times of Israel, the suspect is among several Israelis accused in recent years of working on behalf of Iranian intelligence.
In a joint statement, the Israeli Police, the Ministry of Defense, and the Shin Bet (Israel s internal security agency) said the suspect was indicted in the Tel Aviv District Court on July 16. He faces charges of maintaining contact with a foreign agent and attempting to provide information that could benefit an enemy state.
Investigators said the accused served in a classified military unit during his mandatory military service and later while on reserve duty. Authorities allege he communicated with an individual who identified himself as an Iranian intelligence operative.
According to the statement, the suspect was at one point asked to recruit an active-duty Israeli soldier and connect the serviceman with Iranian agents to obtain additional military information.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, citing the indictment, reported that the suspect was initially assigned relatively minor tasks, including spray-painting slogans and setting fires, as a way of proving his commitment.
However, the report said the suspect allegedly expressed a desire to carry out more significant operations.
According to Channel 12, the suspect told his alleged handlers via Telegram, “I’m not here for these small jobs. I know a lot. I’m here for bigger missions.”
The report also said the two sides discussed substantial financial payments in exchange for information, although the arrangement reportedly never progressed.
Israeli authorities have not disclosed the suspect s identity, the specific classified information he allegedly attempted to pass to Iran, the date of his arrest, or the name of the military unit in which he served, citing security considerations.
Security agencies also renewed warnings to Israeli citizens, urging them not to communicate with unknown individuals or foreign operatives from hostile countries.
According to Israeli officials, dozens of Israeli citizens including active-duty soldiers and reservists have faced allegations of spying for Iran over the past two years. Authorities claim Iranian intelligence operatives frequently use social media platforms, particularly Telegram, to contact potential recruits by offering financial incentives.
Earlier this month, an active-duty Israeli soldier was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of maintaining contact with a foreign agent and providing information deemed beneficial to an enemy.
Israeli officials allege that Iranian operatives often begin by assigning recruits seemingly minor tasks—such as filming government or public sites or carrying out acts of vandalism before attempting to involve them in more serious and, in some cases, violent activities.
Authorities also said that, following an increase in such cases, a new wing has been established at Damon Prison in northern Israel to house suspects accused of spying for Iran. Many of these cases remain before Israeli courts.
