Reservist in Iron Dome unit accused of months-long espionage for Iran

Raz Cohen, 26, of Jerusalem arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran; investigators say he knowingly carried out security tasks and passed sensitive information for $1,000

Raz Cohen, 26, of Jerusalem, a reservist who served in a classified role in Israel’s Iron Dome system, was recently arrested on suspicion of carrying out security offenses for Iran in exchange for payment, in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the police’s Lahav 433 major crimes unit.
According to the indictment, filed by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office, Cohen had been in contact with an Iranian agent since December via the Telegram messaging app. He agreed to carry out various tasks, including transferring sensitive security information to which he was exposed in his role, in exchange for payment in cryptocurrency.
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תמונות לווין של בסיס נבטים, דגל איראן ו שיגור שיגורים איראן מתקפה איראנית מלחמה חרבות ברזל תקיפה טיל טילים
תמונות לווין של בסיס נבטים, דגל איראן ו שיגור שיגורים איראן מתקפה איראנית מלחמה חרבות ברזל תקיפה טיל טילים
(Photo: AP, AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, Planet Labs Inc./Handout via REUTERS, Shutterstock)
Early in the relationship, prosecutors said, Cohen received an initial payment as proof of intent. He then provided detailed information about his role in the Iron Dome system, including its operations, battery structure and interception procedures, and shared photos and videos he recorded during his service, including operational footage.
The indictment also alleges that Cohen provided locations of Israeli Air Force bases and Iron Dome batteries, as well as personal details and contact information of several individuals, at the agent’s request, in an effort to explore recruiting them for cooperation with Iranian operatives.
עו״ד יפעת פנחסי נבוAttorney Yifat Pinhasi Nevo
Investigators said Cohen was aware that he was in contact with Iranian elements. In total, he received about $1,000 in cryptocurrency for his actions.
Police said in a statement that authorities warn against maintaining contact with foreign agents from enemy states or unidentified individuals, emphasizing that intelligence and terror groups continue efforts to recruit Israelis for espionage and security-related missions, including via social media, even during the current war with Iran.
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