IDF Soldiers and Civilian Indicted for Spying for Iran

Four individuals, including three members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and one civilian, have been charged in the Haifa District Court with espionage on behalf of Iran.

The defendants, residents of Kiryat Shmona and Kiryat Yam in northern Israel, were approximately 17 years old at the time of the alleged offenses. According to the indictment, two of the suspects were students at the Israeli Air Force technical school in Haifa. The names of the accused are currently barred from publication.

Prosecutors allege that between January and March 2025, the suspects maintained contact with Iranian agents via the Telegram messaging app. The agents identified themselves using the usernames “CLARK” and “NOVITAMIN.” The indictment states that the defendants carried out dozens of assignments while aware they were communicating with foreign agents acting for the Iranian government.

The tasks involved documenting and transferring information regarding various civilian and security sites throughout Israel. Specifically, the suspects are accused of sending photos and location data of transit hubs, public buildings, and the Air Force technical school. Security authorities also allege that the suspects were asked to acquire weapons.

This case coincides with broader warnings from Israeli police regarding Iranian recruitment strategies. Authorities have stated that Iran utilizes platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as blackmail, to recruit individuals for espionage activities.

The suspects were arrested in March following an investigation into their long-term contact with Iranian intelligence operatives. The legal proceedings continue in the Haifa District Court.