$1000 in Cryptocurrency Exchanged for "Iron Dome" Secrets, Israeli Soldier Faces Potential Life Sentence in Espionage Case

Gate News reports that on March 24, Israeli authorities charged Raz Cohen, a reserve soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, with leaking classified information about the Iron Dome missile defense system to Iranian intelligence agents and receiving approximately $1,000 in cryptocurrency as payment. The case has been jointly investigated by the Israel Security Agency and police and has been submitted to the Jerusalem District Court for trial.

According to reports, Raz Cohen participated in command and control operations of the Iron Dome system from 2019 to 2022, gaining access to key operational information. Starting in December 2025, he contacted Iranian contacts via encrypted messaging apps, transmitting 27 photos and videos over about a month, revealing details such as launch procedures, firing rates, and loading mechanisms. He also provided coordinates of several air force bases and defense systems.

In addition to military secrets, Raz Cohen leaked some personal information of security personnel. The contacts then threatened him, attempting to pressure him by publicly sharing photos of his family. In February 2026, Raz Cohen cut off contact and deleted his accounts but was still arrested on March 1.

Under Israeli law, he faces serious charges including “assisting the enemy during wartime” and “endangering national security by transmitting information,” with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. This case is considered the first espionage incident involving Iron Dome operators.

Investigations also indicate that similar cases have increased in recent years, with hostile intelligence agencies using encrypted communications and small cryptocurrency payments to induce personnel with security clearance to leak information. This pattern highlights new risks associated with cross-border covert transactions involving digital assets and raises higher demands for national security and regulation.