Iran is allegedly using spies in Israel to gather intelligence on military facilities, possibly to aid in targeting efforts. In a counterintelligence operation, the Shin Bet and Israeli police arrested seven Israeli Jewish citizens of Azeri heritage in Haifa and northern Israel, accusing them of espionage on behalf of Iranian intelligence agencies. The Israeli State Attorney’s Office called this the most significant case they have investigated in recent years.
The suspects reportedly engaged in hundreds of espionage tasks, collecting and photographing sensitive information on key Israeli sites. These included energy and port infrastructure, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bases, and Iron Dome battery locations.
READ: Leaked Intelligence Documents Reveal Israel’s Plans For Imminent Strike On Iran
The targets also included Tel Aviv’s Kirya defense headquarters, the Nevatim and Ramat David air bases, and the Golani Training Base, which Hezbollah recently struck with a drone. Authorities believe that intelligence gathered by the suspects may have supported these attacks and provided Iran with valuable information to plan future operations.
The espionage network was allegedly facilitated by financial incentives from Iranian agents, routed through Russian intermediaries who traveled to Israel.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that the U.S. has deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in Israel to bolster its air defenses. While the system’s operational status was not fully disclosed, Austin said it could be activated quickly in response to threats. This deployment follows Iranian attacks on Israel earlier in the year.
READ: Drone Strike Targets Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Residence, No Casualties Reported
In a related development, U.S. officials have raised concerns about armed gangs and criminal groups disrupting the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The White House National Security spokesperson indicated that Hamas’s internal control in Gaza might be weakening, as these groups have blocked aid from entering the region. Despite these challenges, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increased the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza to 250 per day following pressure from the U.S.
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