TLDR An Israeli Air Force major was indicted for using classified military briefings to place bets on Polymarket about the timing of strikes on Iran The officer and a civilian partner allegedly made over $160,000 from their first bet on the June 2025 strikes The pair continued betting on the end of the war and a Yemen strike, earning thousands more over several months A separate higher-ranking crew member admitted making tens of thousands from similar bets and claimed betting was widespread across the air force Countries across Europe and North America are now moving to restrict or ban prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi
An Israeli Air Force reservist holding the rank of major has been charged with using classified military intelligence to profit on the prediction market Polymarket.
A Tel Aviv court revealed that the officer was indicted last month along with a civilian accomplice. Prosecutors say the pair bet on the timing of Israel’s opening strikes against Iran in June 2025.
The charges include severe security offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Both defendants’ names remain sealed under a court order.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
According to the indictment, the reservist shared details from a confidential military briefing with his civilian partner one day before the operation launched. When Israeli jets struck on June 13, the civilian placed the bet.
The two then split the winnings, which totaled more than $160,000. The civilian reportedly opened a digital wallet for the reservist and transferred his cut in cryptocurrency.
The pair did not stop there. They continued placing bets on Polymarket, including a successful prediction on when the 12-day war would end.
In September 2025, prosecutors allege the reservist again passed along sensitive information. This time it involved a planned strike in Yemen, which earned