Israeli Soldier Accused of Using Classified Info to Bet on Air Strikes Using Prediction Markets

Israeli soldier and civilian allegedly used classified military information to place bets on air strikes via prediction markets.
An Israeli soldier and a civilian have been accused of using classified military information to place bets on anticipated air strikes through an online prediction platform, according to local reporting.
Authorities allege the pair exploited non-public operational details about upcoming military actions to profit from event-based contracts tied to regional conflict developments.
The case has raised serious questions about the risks of insider trading in prediction markets and the ethical boundaries of betting on military events. This news comes just weeks after it was announced that the White House was blocking access to several prediction markets from its wifi.
Prediction markets under scrutiny again, this time from Israeli authoritiesđź‘€
— Naga Avan-Nomayo (@JeSuisNaga) February 12, 2026
Israeli prosecutors have indicted an IDF reservist and a civilian over alleged insider betting on @Polymarket tied to military operations 🇮🇱
Authorities say classified information was used to place… pic.twitter.com/tljSpFQ3lQ
What Authorities Allege
According to reports, the soldier is suspected of accessing sensitive operational intelligence regarding planned Israeli air strikes and sharing that information with a civilian associate.
The allegations include:
- Access to classified military information
- Sharing details prior to public disclosure
- Placing wagers on the timing or occurrence of air strikes
- Potential financial gain through event contracts
Israeli security officials reportedly launched an investigation after suspicious activity was detected.
The specific platform used has not been formally identified in official statements, but reporting indicates it involved a prediction-style betting market.
❗️Israelis used STATE SECRETS to BET on military operations on Polymarket
— RT (@RT_com) February 12, 2026
An IDF reservist and a civilian have been charged for using classified military info to place bets on the online platform — Ynet pic.twitter.com/R3WwVoB1Wl
The Legal Implications
If proven, the allegations could constitute:
- Breach of national security protocols
- Unauthorized disclosure of classified information
- Insider trading-style misconduct
Military personnel are bound by strict confidentiality rules. Sharing operational intelligence for personal financial gain could carry significant criminal penalties.
The civilian suspect may also face charges related to conspiracy or financial crimes.
Prediction Markets and Conflict Events
The case has intensified scrutiny over platforms that allow trading on geopolitical and military developments.
Prediction markets often permit users to speculate on:
- Election outcomes
- Economic data releases
- Policy decisions
- Conflict escalation scenarios
Critics argue that allowing bets on military strikes or violent events raises ethical and security concerns, particularly if individuals with privileged information can participate.
Insider Trading Risks in Event Contracts
Unlike traditional securities markets, where insider trading laws are well-established, prediction markets tied to real-world events operate in a more complex regulatory space.
Key concerns include:
- Detection of trades based on non-public information
- Monitoring unusual contract activity
- Coordination between national security agencies and platform operators
In traditional financial markets, insider trading involves exploiting material non-public information. The principles may apply similarly in prediction markets, though enforcement frameworks vary by jurisdiction.
Broader Ethical Debate
Beyond legal consequences, the case has triggered debate over whether betting on military operations should be permitted at all.
Opponents argue that:
- Speculating on violence commodifies human suffering
- Markets tied to war could incentivize harmful behavior
- National security risks outweigh potential transparency benefits
Supporters of prediction markets often claim they improve information efficiency and forecasting accuracy. However, events involving classified military action present unique challenges.
What Happens Next
Israeli authorities are reportedly continuing their investigation.
Possible next steps include:
- Formal charges against the suspects
- Military disciplinary proceedings
- Expanded review of platform oversight mechanisms
The outcome could influence how prediction platforms approach markets related to armed conflict.
Why This Matters
The case highlights the intersection of:
- National security
- Financial speculation
- Emerging event-based trading platforms
As prediction markets grow in popularity worldwide, regulators may face increasing pressure to establish clearer boundaries around sensitive or classified events.
Bottom Line
An Israeli soldier and a civilian are accused of using classified military information to place bets on air strikes through a prediction platform.
If substantiated, the case could become a landmark example of insider misconduct in geopolitical event markets and prompt broader reforms to how such markets are regulated.
Tags/Keywords
Mark Sullivan is a casino industry analyst and editor with a background rooted in both gaming operations and data-driven analysis. He brings a practical, ground-level understanding of how casinos function, across brick-and-mortar floors and digital platforms, while maintaining a sharp focus on player experience, transparency,...
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.