Criminal9/16/2026

Petah Tikva Resident Sentenced to 13.5 Years in Prison for Carrying Out Tasks for Iran

The Central District Court in Lod sentenced Alexander Granovsky to 13.5 years in prison for carrying out paid tasks for an entity acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence. The court approved the sentence agreed upon by the parties, taking into account the severity of the offenses, the guilty plea and the need to deter similar acts.

Key facts

•Sentence: 13.5 years of actual imprisonment
•Court: Central District Court in Lod
•Arrest: December 15, 2024
•Arson attacks: nine vehicles
•Payment for some of the arson attacks: €900
•The case number and exact date of sentencing were not specified

What Tasks Did Granovsky Carry Out?

Contact with the Iranian representative began in late November 2024 and continued until Granovsky’s arrest on December 15. Through the Telegram messaging app, he received tasks and payment to a digital wallet. Granovsky set fire to nine vehicles, spray-painted political slogans, and photographed the area where Knesset member Benny Gantz lives and energy facilities, including the Reading power station in Tel Aviv and the power station in Hadera. He received €900 for some of the arson attacks.

What Offenses Was He Convicted Of?

Granovsky pleaded guilty to contact with a foreign agent, providing the enemy with information that could benefit it, nine counts of arson and multiple counts of defacing real estate. Another proceeding was also joined to the case, in which he pleaded guilty to threats and assault. The case number and the exact date on which the sentence was handed down were not specified in the source.

Why Did the Court Approve a Severe Sentence?

Judge Merav Greenberg accepted a closed sentencing agreement between the parties and imposed 13.5 years of actual imprisonment. The court took into account that the offenses were committed during the “Swords of Iron” war, harmed state security and could have stirred division and chaos among the public. The guilty plea, acceptance of responsibility and remorse were considered mitigating circumstances; however, the court emphasized that the financial motive did not reduce the severity of the acts.

Four More Convictions in Jerusalem

On the same day, the Jerusalem District Court convicted Beit Safafa residents Mamdouh Khader, Omri Abu Hamida, Mahmoud Khader and Mohammed Taha. They admitted participating in paid tasks for an entity acting on behalf of Iran: these included photographing the Weizmann Institute, spray-painting slogans, assisting in obtaining grenades and producing staged documentation of attacks. The source does not state what sentences were imposed on them.

What this means for you

The decision shows that carrying out even individual paid tasks for a foreign intelligence entity—from graffiti and photographing facilities to arson—can lead to lengthy imprisonment. A financial motive and refusal to carry out some of the more dangerous tasks do not in themselves eliminate criminal responsibility or preclude severe punishment.

Find a lawyer for this topic

Case analysis based on court rulings