Former Israeli Minister Admits to Spying for Iran

Gonen Segev served in cabinet in the mid-1990s; Israel accused him of being an active agent for Iran

Dov Lieber

Jan. 9, 2019 10:56 a.m. ET

TEL AVIV—A former Israeli minister pleaded guilty to spying for the country’s bitter enemy Iran and faces an 11-year prison sentence, in a case that has gripped the public as Israel tries to thwart Tehran’s attempts to entrench on its border.

Gonen Segev, a former energy and infrastructure minister, admitted to espionage and passing sensitive information to Iran, Israel’s Ministry of Justice said Wednesday. A plea deal was reached after a monthslong closed-door trial and Mr. Segev’s sentencing has been set for Feb. 11.

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