The Pentagon has reportedly raised its counterintelligence threat assessment for Israel to its highest level, citing concerns over increased Israeli efforts to gather information on U.S. officials and decision-making related to Middle East conflicts, according to NBC News.
U.S. officials told NBC News that the Defense Intelligence Agency recently classified Israel’s human and technical intelligence-gathering capabilities as “critical” amid growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv over the war with Iran and military operations in Lebanon.
The assessment reportedly reflects concerns that Israel is seeking insight into internal deliberations within the Trump administration. A seven-page DIA document is said to outline several incidents that contributed to the heightened alert.
Israel strongly denied the allegations, with its embassy in Washington stating that it does not spy on U.S. government officials and describing the claims as false. The White House also rejected the report, while the Pentagon declined to comment.
Despite the increased threat assessment, officials said intelligence-sharing between the two countries continues, particularly regarding the conflict involving Iran. However, U.S. personnel are expected to exercise greater caution when travelling to Israel or meeting Israeli officials. (NewsWire)
