Beersheba Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Contacting Iranian Agent
A Beersheba court sentenced 30-year-old Doron Bukhobza to three years in prison for contacting an Iranian intelligence agent, fabricating claims of access to the Dimona nuclear reactor, and performing minor tasks for digital currency.
The Beersheba District Court sentenced 30-year-old Doron Bukhobza to three years in prison on Sunday. The electrical engineer from Beersheba was convicted of contacting a foreign agent after communicating with an Iranian intelligence operative and claiming access to the Dimona nuclear reactor.
Arrest and Investigation
Bukhobza, a former court security guard, was arrested in February 2025 by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet on suspicion of severe security offenses. According to the indictment, Bukhobza initiated the contact through Telegram in December 2024, messaging an Iranian operative with the words: "I am Israeli and I want to work with you." When asked why, he cited financial difficulties and opposition to the government.
Tasks and Payment
The defendant received thousands of shekels in digital currency after completing several tasks assigned by his handler. These activities included photographing streets, reposting statements by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and publishing social media posts concerning hostages Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or. He also falsely claimed to have access to classified facilities at the Negev Nuclear Research Center.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
The sentence was handed down as part of a plea bargain in which the prosecution agreed to cap its demand at five years. While probation services recommended a lighter sentence to prevent psychological regression, Judge Dina Cohen rejected full leniency, stating that doing so would send a weak message to the public.
