Israel charges reservist and civilian for betting on military operations

An Israeli citizen and a reservist soldier have been charged with using classified information to bet on military operations via the Polymarket website, Israeli authorities said Thursday, according to Reuters.

In a statement released after a joint operation, the Defense Ministry, the Shin Bet internal security service, and the police said several suspects had recently been arrested for placing bets on the website.

"These bets were allegedly based on classified information to which the reservists had access in the course of their military duties," the statement said.

The statement added that after finding sufficient evidence against a civilian and a reservist, the public prosecutor decided to charge them with serious security offenses, as well as bribery and obstruction of justice.

“The security services emphasize that engaging in such gambling activities based on confidential and classified information poses a real risk to the security of Israeli military operations and to national security,” he continued.

Israeli media reported that the incident was likely linked to an investigation in which an anonymous user bet that Israel would strike Iran on the day the Israeli military launched its unprecedented bombardments against Iranian military and nuclear sites, June 13, 2025.

The Israeli military also stated that “according to the investigation’s findings, no operational damage was caused during the current incident.” However, it added that there had been “a serious ethical breach and a clear crossing of a red line, which are inconsistent with the values ​​of the Israeli military and what is expected of its members.”

She added that criminal and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against anyone involved in such acts.