Israel has arrested four of its regular soldiers on suspicion of spying for Iran and photographing sensitive sites, Israeli media reported Monday.

Channel 15 said the four soldiers, serving in regular combat units, were detained in what it described as a “new and concerning espionage case,” alleging they were involved in collective spying activities for Iran, including during wartime.

The report said some of the suspects have been denied access to legal counsel, while the detention of all four has been extended.

It added that Iranian intelligence had tasked the soldiers with carrying out missions, including photographing sensitive facilities, without providing further details.

Citing informed sources, the channel said the case reflects what it described as a “growing effort to penetrate Israel’s security establishment and infiltrate civilians.”

The sources warned of a sharp rise in espionage threats attributed to Iran in recent days.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. (AA)