Israeli reservist and civilian accused of illegally using classified intel to make bets on IDF military operations
An Israeli reservist and a civilian allegedly used classified information to make bets on the timing of Israeli military operations on the Polymarket website, according to Israeli authorities.
The two have been charged with serious security offenses and offenses of bribery and obstruction of justice, a joint statement from Israel's Ministry of Defense, the Israeli Police and the Israel Security Agency announced Thursday.
Several people were initially arrested on suspicion of gambling "regarding the occurrence of military operations, based on classified information to which the reservists were exposed by virtue of their position in the army," the joint statement said.
Following an investigation, two of the suspects were charged, it said.
Polymarket is a platform where people can bet on things ranging from sports to politics and other real-world events. ABC News has reached out to Polymarket for comment and did not immediately receive a response.
Israeli authorities did not release any additional details on the investigation due to a court-imposed gag order. No information has been disclosed on when the alleged gambling occurred, how much money was at stake nor the names of the two people charged who remain in custody.
"The defense establishment emphasizes that in carrying out such bets, relying on secret and classified information, there is a real security risk to IDF activities and state security," the joint statement said.
The alleged incident did not cause any "operational harm," according to an Israel Defense Forces statement.
"The IDF views with great seriousness any act that endangers the security of the state, and in particular the use of highly classified information for personal gain, as indicated by the information that has come to the IDF's attention," an IDF spokesperson said in a statement.
"This is a serious ethical lapse and a clear red line crossing, which are not in line with the values of the IDF and what is expected of its service members. Criminal and command procedures will be taken against any party found to have been involved in such actions," the statement added.
The IDF has since taken steps to tighten procedures in all units to "prevent similar incidents from recurring," the spokesperson said.
Israel's KANN News last month reported on an investigation into IDF soldiers allegedly illegally using classified information to bet tens of thousands of dollars on Polymarket on military operations, including the start of Israel's 12-day war against Iran last June.
It is unclear if the two people charged, who remain in custody, have been connected to those alleged transactions.
