### Major Espionage Network for Iran Uncovered in Israel

In a significant security blow to Israel, authorities have apprehended seven individuals, including two minors, on counts related to espionage for Iran. The Shin Bet intelligence agency announced the arrests on Monday, labeling this espionage operation as one of the most serious security disruptions encountered by Israel.

A Shin Bet senior official revealed that these arrests thwarted a substantial effort by Tehran to infiltrate and obtain classified information regarding Israel’s military bases and ports. “The assessment is that the activity of the members of the ring has caused security damage to the security of the state,” the official stated. The suspects were accused of disseminating numerous sensitive materials to Iranian agents.

The espionage activities, purportedly commissioned by Iran's intelligence services, included missions targeting critical infrastructure such as the Hadera power plant and the Iron Dome missile defense system. The seven suspects reportedly received substantial financial rewards, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, part of which was paid via cryptocurrency. Israeli police officials remarked that the suspects’ actions were driven by greed, which in turn jeopardized the safety of the state and its people.

This spying incident coincides with the leak of highly classified US intelligence documents, delineating Israeli military preparations for a potential strike on Iran. These documents, dated October 15 and 16, detail elaborate Israeli air force exercises encompassing air-to-surface missiles. The reports from The Times of London indicate that leaked satellite images and information from the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency showcase Israel’s preparedness for retaliation against Iran following Tehran's ballistic missile attack on October 1.

These leaks, prominently shared on pro-Iranian social media channels, expose Israel’s extensive preparations, including the deployment of 16 "golden horizon" missiles, 40 advanced "Rocks" missiles, covert drone activities, and naval movements in the Port of Haifa. While the leaked documents are under investigation, their authenticity remains unverified. Notably, they do not specify the precise targets Israel intends to strike.

In response, the US has cautioned Israel against targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly agreeing to these restraints during discussions with President Joe Biden. US and Gulf nation leaders have repeatedly warned that any strike on such vital targets could precipitate an all-out regional war.

The classified documents, first circulated on Telegram by an account known for pro-Iranian posts, carried top-secret markings, intended exclusively for the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the leak, emphasizing its gravity while affirming the US's support for Israel’s projected retaliatory strike against Iran for the October 1 assault that saw 180 ballistic missiles launched at Israel.

The sole casualty from the Iranian barrage was a Palestinian man in the West Bank, who was killed by a falling missile. These developments highlight the escalating tensions and the ongoing shadow conflict between Israel and Iran.