Israel charges civilian, reservist over betting on military operations

Several suspects in Israel, including a civilian and a reservist soldier, have been arrested on suspicion of placing bets linked to potential military operations using classified information, security authorities have said.

In a joint statement, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the Lahav 433 “Arzim” investigations unit operating with the Defence Ministry’s security department (Malmab), and Israel Police said the suspects allegedly used the online betting platform Polymarket, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Investigators believe the bets were based on sensitive security information to which reservists had access through their military roles.

Following the investigation, prosecutors said sufficient evidence had been gathered against a civilian and a reservist, and a decision was taken to indict them on serious national security offences, as well as charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.

The inquiry was conducted jointly by the Shin Bet and the Arzim unit — a joint task force of Malmab and Israel Police — alongside the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division and other security bodies, with oversight from the State Attorney’s cyber department.

Security officials stressed that betting activities based on secret and classified information pose a significant security risk and could undermine Israel Defence Forces operations and national security.

Under a court order, further details of the investigation and the identities of those involved remain subject to a gag order.

By Aghakazim Guliyev