Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Feb 13: Two Israelis have been charged with serious security offences for allegedly using classified military information to place bets on the US-based prediction platform Polymarket, authorities said on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the Israeli Defence Ministry, Shin Bet and the police said a civilian and a military reservist were suspected of placing bets on future military operations based on confidential information accessible to the reservist.

The State Prosecutor’s Office has decided to indict the two for serious security-related offences, along with charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.

The military said its investigation found that “no operational damage was caused in the current incident,” but described the episode as a “severe ethical failure and a clear crossing of a red line.”

Polymarket allows users to wager on the outcomes of events including elections, sporting contests and major news developments.

Authorities did not disclose the identities of the accused or details about the reservist’s rank or role in the military. However, they warned that misuse of classified information for financial gain poses a “real security risk” to both the armed forces and the state.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan earlier reported that the bets were placed in June ahead of Israel’s war with Iran and that the winnings amounted to approximately $150,000.

“The military and security services view the acts attributed to the defendants very seriously and will act resolutely to thwart and bring to justice any person involved in the illegal use of classified information,” the joint statement said.