Iron Dome reservist Raz Cohen, 26, arrested for spying for Iran — passed air defense secrets for money

Raz Cohen, 26, a Jerusalem resident who served in a unit responsible for the Iron Dome air defense system, was charged in Jerusalem District Court on Day 21 with three counts: assisting the enemy during a war, transmitting information to the enemy with intent to harm state security, and transmitting information to the enemy likely to assist the enemy. The maximum sentence for assisting the enemy during wartime is life in prison or the death penalty, which has almost never been used in Israel. According to a joint Shin Bet and Police Unit for International Crime Investigations statement, Cohen was in contact with Iranian intelligence agents for several months and was instructed to conduct a series of security missions. He passed: sensitive information about the Iron Dome system, other classified material, military site locations, and the names of Israeli security officials. In return, he received $1,000 in cryptocurrency. Critical caveat: the charges indicate his alleged activities took place months before the current war began on February 28, 2026. This means the intelligence breach pre-dates the active missile campaign — but may have provided Iran with Iron Dome coverage and capability data used to plan the current ballistic missile campaign against Israel. Shin Bet and police issued a public warning that intelligence and terrorist agents from enemy countries continue their efforts to recruit Israelis, including during the current war. Contacts for payment or other reasons risk charges carrying life imprisonment.