Petah Tikva man sentenced to thirteen-and-a-half years for carrying out tasks for Iranian agent

The Central District Court in Lod sentenced Alexander Granovsky of Petah Tikva to 13 and a half years in prison on Wednesday for carrying out paid assignments for an Iranian agent, including setting vehicles on fire and photographing locations at the request of his handler. The prosecution said it was the harshest sentence so far in a series of cases against people recruited by Iranian agents through social media.

Judge Merav Grinberg approved the sentence agreed by the prosecution and defense. Granovsky had pleaded guilty to contact with a foreign agent, passing information to an enemy, nine counts of arson, and multiple counts of defacing property. He also received suspended prison terms.

According to the indictment, Granovsky communicated via Telegram with a person acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence from late November 2024 until his arrest on December 15. He first sprayed slogans against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in public places. He later set fire to nine vehicles, following instructions for carrying out and recording the acts. Payments for some of his assignments were sent to a digital wallet.

Granovsky also photographed the neighborhood where Blue and White faction head Benny Gantz lives, as well as the smokestacks of Tel Aviv’s Reading power station, sending the images to his handler. He went to a power station in Hadera at the handler’s request but left without taking the requested photographs, citing security at the site and demanding more money.

The handler then sought further assistance. Granovsky bought IDF uniforms and supplied details of two people with criminal records, according to the indictment. He told the handler he would not kill or wound anyone.

Defense cites financial motive and remorse

The defense urged the court to accept the agreed sentence, arguing that Granovsky acted for money rather than ideology and citing his drug addiction and mental health difficulties. Granovsky expressed remorse and said he had not intended to harm state security. The prosecution also supported the agreement, while stressing that he knew he was working for an Iranian-linked operative during wartime.

Grinberg said that Granovsky’s guilty plea and acceptance of responsibility counted in his favor. She nevertheless found that acting for financial gain did not lessen the gravity of conduct that endangered the public and state security. The prison term will be counted from his December 15, 2024, arrest.