Jerusalem

Israel dismantled an alleged spy network in Iraq and arrested seven citizens in the process on Monday (Oct 21). 

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The citizens were reportedly collecting information from the energy infrastructure and military bases of Israel to hand it over to the Iranian intelligence.

The police and internal security "successfully dismantled a spy network involving seven Israeli citizens who were operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence," said the police, in a statement and added that they have arrested all seven of them.

The seven Israeli citizens belonged to the city of Haifa and other northern areas of the country.

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"This network was engaged in gathering sensitive information on IDF (military) bases and energy infrastructure," it added.

Crypto-currency payments, Iranian agent: Here's how spy nexus worked

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According to the police, the Israeli investigations found that the people were carrying out different missions under the guidance of two Iranian agents called "Alkhan and Orkhan" for the last two years.

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

"The network conducted extensive reconnaissance missions on IDF bases nationwide, focusing on air force and navy installations, ports, Iron Dome system locations, and energy infrastructure such as the Hadera power plant," it added.

The police stated that hundreds of thousands of dollars were sent to the group for the work in the form of crypto-currency payments.

"The investigation led to seizure of substantial materials compiled by the network members for Iranian agents," stated an official from Israel's internal security agency, in the police statement.

"These included photographs and videos of numerous IDF bases across Israel, ports, and energy infrastructure. It is assessed that these activities have inflicted security damage on the state," the official added.

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The Israeli spies were also given the task of collecting intelligence on various Israeli citizens.

Israel continues to engage in multi-front conflict 

Israel has been engaging in multi-front conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Houthis in Yemen and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel has said that it will continue to strike Hezbollah till it collapses and will retaliate to a missile attack by Tehran on October 1.

According to Israel's military, nearly 60 rockets were fired towards northern Israel from Lebanon on Monday (Oct 21).

Meanwhile, the Israel Aviation Authority said that Ben Gurion Airport has started operating normally after there was a brief pause in the take-offs. 

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)