rki.news | Sources: Anadolu
The Pentagon has raised its counterintelligence threat assessment for Israel to the highest level, citing concerns over Israeli espionage targeting US officials, according to Anadolu.
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) recently upgraded Israel’s designation to “critical,” based on concerns that Israeli intelligence is attempting to monitor senior US officials to gain insight into Trump administration deliberations on Middle East conflicts, two current and one former US official told the network.
Officials said the DIA assessment includes a seven-page document outlining incidents that heightened US concerns, particularly regarding intelligence collection linked to policy discussions on Iran and regional military operations.
The report comes amid tensions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the war with Iran and Israeli operations in Lebanon, including what officials described as a tense recent phone call.
According to officials, Israel is closely watching whether the Trump administration will resume military operations against Iran or pursue a negotiated settlement.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington denied the allegations, calling them “completely false,” while the Pentagon declined to comment. A White House official also dismissed the report.
Emily Harding of the Center for Strategic and International Studies described Israel’s intelligence service as “highly aggressive,” saying it remains focused on US policy developments.
Officials said the assessment reflects increased sensitivity within US intelligence agencies over foreign surveillance targeting US decision-making.