Iranian intelligence and security forces have arrested more than 700 people suspected of being part of Israel’s “spy network” in the country, Al Jazeera reports, citing local news reports.

Iran’s Fars news agency and the state-affiliated Nournews report that the suspects were arrested during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran.

Israel’s military assault on Iran also involved what has been described as an unprecedented Israeli intelligence operation that included the targeted killings of high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists.

Previous mass arrests by the Iranian government have been criticised by human rights groups for lack of due process.