Israeli occupation authorities announced yesterday the arrest of two Israeli reserve soldiers on accusations of espionage for Iran, alleging they transferred classified information in exchange for financial compensation.
According to a police statement, one of the suspects, Yuri Eliasfov, who previously served in the Israeli army’s Iron Dome air defence unit, allegedly provided sensitive military information to an Iranian operative. The details of the classified material have not been disclosed.
Israeli authorities further claim that Eliasfov recruited his friend Georgi Andreyev, connecting him to the same Iranian handler. The pair reportedly carried out activities at the operative’s direction, including spray-painting graffiti and displaying banners in Tel Aviv.
Moreover, the Israeli suspects were allegedly instructed to detonate a police vehicle and throw a hand grenade at a residence in exchange for 200,000 shekels (approximately $53,000), reported Haaretz.
The Israeli suspects, aged between 19 and 23, face severe charges, including aiding the enemy during wartime, providing intelligence to a hostile entity, conspiracy to commit terrorism, attempted murder and unlawful use of firearms. If convicted, these offenses carry severe penalties, potentially life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
An indictment is expected in the coming days, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Iran has yet to respond to the allegations.