They were arrested on suspicion of carrying out complex tasks under the direction of Iranian handlers.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Three IDF soldiers and one civilian were indicted in the Haifa District Attorney’s Office on charges of spying for Iran after allegedly maintaining long-term contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and carrying out security-related assignments in exchange for money, according to details released in early May 2026.
The case emerged from a joint investigation conducted by the Shin Bet, Israel Police Lahav 433, the Military Police, and the IDF.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested during the month of March on suspicion of carrying out complex tasks under the direction of Iranian handlers.
According to the allegations, the suspects communicated with Iranian operatives through Telegram between January and March 2025. Investigators said some of the contacts with Iranian agents began while the suspects were still minors.
Prosecutors accuse the group of photographing sensitive locations across Israel, including the Israeli Air Force technical school, train stations, shopping centers, and other public sites.
The suspects were also allegedly instructed to purchase weapons and participate in acts of vandalism on behalf of their handlers. Authorities said the suspects sought payment in return for performing the assignments.
Officials described the case as part of a broader pattern of Iranian intelligence recruitment efforts targeting Israelis since the conflict that began in 2023.
According to the Shin Bet, more than 50 indictments connected to alleged spying for Iran have been filed during that period.
The case follows several other recent investigations involving alleged espionage tied to Iran.
In a separate matter, two Air Force technicians were accused of supplying documentation related to military bases.
Another report published in April 2026 said four active-duty soldiers had been detained on similar suspicions. Authorities did not state whether the cases were connected.
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