Israel Thwarts Iranian Espionage Plot

Israeli security services have dismantled an espionage network within the country linked to Iranian intelligence. Two individuals from Lod were arrested for gathering data on key security sites, including Mossad's headquarters. The plot involved recruiting people from the Caucasus region, with intentions to harm academics.

Israeli security forces have successfully dismantled a spy network operating within the nation, suspected of working for Iranian intelligence. This announcement comes amid a series of espionage-related arrests in recent weeks.

The latest case involved an Israeli couple from Lod, near Tel Aviv, who were apprehended for accumulating intelligence on crucial national infrastructure and security sites, like the Mossad headquarters. They also surveyed a female academic at a leading security research institute, as part of Iran's efforts to recruit operatives originally from the Caucasus region.

The investigation revealed links to a broader scheme, including plans to hire an assassin. An additional suspect from Azerbaijan was recruited for specific missions. While the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) expressed gratitude for the thwarted attack, Israel's prosecutor's office is preparing severe charges against the suspects.

(With inputs from agencies.)