Tensions between the United States and Israel are intensifying beyond policy disagreements, with growing concern inside the Pentagon regarding the scope of Israeli intelligence operations. According to a report by NBC News, senior US officials are expressing significant alarm over the possibility that they have become targets of Israeli surveillance. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has reportedly elevated its counter-intelligence threat level regarding Israel to high-risk, a move confirmed by both current and former US intelligence officials.
This development has forced US officials to implement strict precautionary measures when traveling to Israel. These protocols include the use of burner phones, temporary computers, and adherence to rigid communication rules. High-ranking officials have been advised to avoid sensitive discussions within hotel rooms or other environments deemed vulnerable to technical surveillance. The DIA recently finalized a seven-page internal assessment characterizing Israel’s espionage capabilities and technical data collection prowess as a serious threat. The report suggests that Israel is engaged in aggressive efforts to gain insight into internal US deliberations regarding the Trump administration’s policy on Iran.
Emily Harding, a vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described Israeli intelligence agencies as highly aggressive, noting their keen interest in US activities. However, the Israeli government has categorically denied these allegations. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington labeled the claims as completely false, asserting that Israel does not conduct surveillance on US officials or American institutions. The spokesperson maintained that Israeli intelligence operations are strictly directed against adversaries rather than allies. The White House has similarly dismissed the report as inaccurate.
This surge in apprehension coincides with a visible rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning Iran. While Trump has been pursuing a path toward a significant agreement with Tehran, Netanyahu remains a vocal proponent of increasing military pressure on the regime. This strategic divergence has created friction in high-level communications. While intelligence experts acknowledge that limited surveillance between allied nations is not unprecedented, current and former US officials argue that Israel’s recent activities have exceeded standard diplomatic norms. As the geopolitical situation regarding Iran remains volatile, the allegations of espionage add a complex layer of distrust to the longstanding alliance between Washington and Jerusalem.
