Agencies | Washington:
Several recent US intelligence assessments have raised concerns over alleged Israeli surveillance of senior American officials, highlighting a growing counterintelligence threat and exposing signs of strain between the two longtime allies amid disagreements over Iran and regional security issues.
According to reports, the Pentagon has elevated its counterintelligence threat assessment regarding Israel to the highest “critical” level, reflecting increasing concerns over alleged efforts to monitor senior US government and military personnel. Israel has denied the allegations.
While intelligence-gathering activities between the United States and Israel have long been acknowledged by both sides, American officials cited by The New York Times said recent Israeli efforts may have crossed accepted boundaries, particularly during sensitive discussions aimed at preventing further escalation with Iran.
The report alleges that Israel intensified efforts to gather intelligence on senior US officials, including President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, the Pentagon’s top policy official Elbridge A. Colby, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael P. DiMino IV. Colby, in particular, has been known for advocating a more restrained US foreign policy approach.
According to assessments prepared by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other military intelligence offices, concerns over Israeli intelligence activities have increased significantly in recent weeks. The reports cite multiple incidents involving alleged surveillance efforts targeting US military personnel and government officials.
A US official quoted by NBC News said the DIA assessment identified several incidents that contributed to growing concerns within the US defence establishment. Senior officials told The New York Times that Israeli intelligence agencies were seeking insights into the Trump administration’s evolving strategy and negotiating positions regarding Iran.
One official reportedly described the intensity of Israeli intelligence-gathering efforts as “unhinged,” while senior military officials acknowledged that American personnel serving in Israel or working closely with Israeli counterparts remain aware of ongoing counterintelligence risks.
The DIA assessment followed reports that some US defence personnel stationed in Israel discovered software allegedly capable of intercepting communications had been secretly installed on their phones. As a precaution, senior US officials frequently rely on temporary or “burner” phones when conducting sensitive discussions during visits to Israel.
Potential Impact on Iran Policy
The reports emerge amid growing policy differences between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over developments in West Asia. The two leaders have reportedly disagreed on approaches toward Iran and certain Israeli military operations in the region.
Analysts believe the new counterintelligence alerts could complicate military coordination between US Central Command and Israel, particularly as both countries continue to cooperate on regional security matters. The Pentagon may also consider imposing additional restrictions on the sharing of sensitive information with Israeli counterparts.
US intelligence concerns regarding Israeli surveillance are not new. The latest assessments indicate that monitoring efforts reportedly intensified in late 2024, following pressure from the Biden administration on Israel to scale back military operations in Gaza.
The report also references previous incidents, including allegations that officers linked to Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, attempted to place a listening device inside a US Secret Service vehicle. Another incident cited involved Israeli military intelligence officers allegedly being caught planting listening devices at DIA headquarters in 2021.
The developments underscore growing tensions beneath the surface of one of Washington’s closest strategic partnerships, even as both nations continue to cooperate on key security challenges in the Middle East.
