Israel uncovers spy network working for Iran

A network of Jewish Israelis spying for Iran has been dismantled, Israel’s Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency and police reported on Monday.

Seven people from the port city of Haifa and its surroundings had collected sensitive information on military bases and energy infrastructure for two years, the report said.

They had also gathered information on prominent Israelis.

“These individuals were allegedly recruited by Iranian agents to conduct various security-related tasks,’’ the report said.

It named the five suspects and said the remaining two were minors, whose identities are protected under the law.

“Investigations revealed that over a period exceeding two years, the suspects executed multiple security missions under the direction of two Iranian intelligence agents known as Alkhan and Orkhan.

“The network members were aware that the intelligence they provided compromised national security and could potentially aid enemy missile attacks,’’ it said.

The operation is said to have involved photographing and documenting strategic sites, with network members making use of advanced equipment specifically procured under Iranian guidance.

The network was reported to have focused on air force and navy installations, ports, locations of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system, and energy infrastructure such as the Hadera power plant.

The alleged spies had received hundreds of thousands of dollars in return, frequently in cryptocurrency, the report said.

There have recently been several cases of espionage in Israel for Iran, but this case is being seen as particularly serious in Israeli media reports.

Prosecutors are expected to file an indictment within days.

The report came amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, which have traded military exchanges over recent weeks amid the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Media reports said that Israel may be preparing an attack on Iran in response to a barrage of missiles launched by Iran on Oct. 1.