### Israeli Police Arrest Seven in Alleged Iranian Spy Network

Israeli police have arrested seven citizens accused of being part of a spy network that gathered sensitive information on military bases and energy infrastructure for Iranian intelligence. The arrests were carried out by the internal security agency and police.

The seven detained individuals, hailing from Haifa and other northern regions of the country, were allegedly involved in collecting vital intelligence on various Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bases, focusing particularly on air force and navy installations, ports, Iron Dome missile defense systems, and key energy sites such as the Hadera power plant.

According to Israeli authorities, the network was managed by two Iranian agents, known as “Alkhan and Orkhan,” over a span of two years. During this period, the group reportedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars, often through cryptocurrency transactions, for their espionage activities.

Investigations revealed that the members were aware their activities endangered national security and could support enemy missile assaults. The network conducted extensive reconnaissance, photographing and documenting strategic locations, with the amassed data passed on to Iranian contacts.

Officials also apprehended substantial materials compiled by the group members, including photographs and videos of numerous IDF bases, energy infrastructures, and ports. This intelligence is believed to have inflicted security damage on the state. Additionally, the group was tasked with gathering intelligence on certain Israeli citizens at the direction of their Iranian handlers.

This announcement followed closely on the heels of another high-profile arrest, where an Israeli citizen was detained on suspicion of plotting assassinations of top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allegedly under Iranian direction. Over the weekend, Netanyahu's private residence was targeted by a drone attack orchestrated by Hezbollah, though no casualties were reported as he and his wife were not at home at the time.

The ongoing conflict with Iran-backed entities, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi rebels, continues to escalate. The hostilities were initially ignited by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, leading to a war in Gaza that has resulted in a death toll exceeding 42,000 and nearly 1.2 million displaced in Lebanon. Israel has also pledged retaliation for a missile attack launched by Iran on October 1.