Ultra-Orthodox Jew sentenced for trying to spy for Iran

A member of the anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for offering to spy for Iran.

Yitzhak Bergel, 46, a father of eight, admitted contacting a foreign agent, intent to commit treason and attempting to aid an enemy of Israel as part of a plea bargain.

The Jerusalem court heard how Bergel met with Iranian representatives at the Iranian embassy in Berlin in January 2011 and offered his services as a spy against Israel.

He was arrested six months ago and during his interrogation by the Shin Bet security service, Bergel said he was driven by hatred of Israel and the desire for financial reward.