**Israeli Authorities Dismantle Iranian Spy Network, Arrest Local Residents**

In a significant security development, Israeli authorities have uncovered an Iranian intelligence network that had successfully recruited Israeli citizens as spies for the Islamic Republic. The revelation came through a joint operation conducted by the Shin Bet (ISA), the Police's Unit of International Crime Investigations (Yahbal), and the Lahav 433 Cyber Unit.

Following an extensive investigation, the authorities arrested Rafael and Lala Gulayev, both 32, from the city of Lod. The couple is accused of carrying out recruitment assignments on behalf of Iranian agents, focusing particularly on Israelis with familial ties to the Caucasus region. Investigations pointed to Elkhan Agayev, a 56-year-old Azerbaijani national, as the recruiter working for Iranian intelligence. Under Agayev's direction, the Gulayevs allegedly conducted surveillance on sensitive security locations in Israel, including the Mossad headquarters.

Further incriminating activities were revealed with the indictment of Asher Binyamin Weiss, a resident of Bnei Brak. Weiss is charged with following an Israeli nuclear scientist at the behest of Iranian agents, who allegedly instructed him to assassinate the scientist. The charges against Weiss include contacting a foreign agent, providing information to the enemy, and obstructing justice.

A senior official from Shin Bet stated that these cases add to a series of recent thwarted attempts where Israeli citizens were found to be operating under Iranian intelligence. "The investigations once again reveal the efforts of Iranian intelligence to recruit and exploit Israeli citizens for espionage and terrorist activities in Israel," the official remarked.

Rafael Gulayev is also accused of gathering intelligence on a target affiliated with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), potentially earmarked for Iranian interests. The indictment for the couple is scheduled to be filed imminently.

A senior police official emphasized Israel's steadfast commitment to its national security, stating, "The Israeli Police, in collaboration with Shin Bet and other security agencies, will continue to operate tirelessly to detect and prevent activities that threaten our citizens. We will take decisive action against those unscrupulous individuals collaborating with hostile entities and endangering public safety."

This operation underscores the ongoing threats faced by Israel and the persistent efforts of its security agencies to protect the nation from espionage and terrorism.