Israel has reportedly increased intelligence activities targeting US officials to gather information on President Donald Trump's negotiation strategy with Iran. The report states that these efforts are unusually aggressive and in some respects have reached a level surpassing even that of other US allies.
According to reports based on US officials and intelligence assessments, Israeli intelligence has stepped up efforts to monitor high-level figures, including Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. This development has emerged amid growing disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over the Iran conflict.
Pentagon Raises Assessment
Another report indicates increasing concern within the US Department of Defense about Israel's espionage activities. According to current and former US officials, the Pentagon has raised its counterintelligence threat assessment for Israel to the highest threat level.
The same report notes that the Defense Intelligence Agency has conducted a new review in recent weeks, classifying the intelligence threat originating from Israel as "critical." This move comes at a time when differences between the two capitals are deepening.
Past Tensions Recalled
The report also emphasizes that intelligence tensions between the US and Israel are not new. It recalls that former US Navy intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted in the 1980s for passing highly classified documents to Israel.
It also highlights that the US has conducted intelligence activities on its allies and partners. The 2013 leaks by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden revealed that communications of some leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, were monitored by US agencies, causing diplomatic tensions between Berlin and Washington.
Diplomatic Efforts After Iran Ceasefire
The report notes that following the ceasefire that took effect in early April between Iran and the US, Trump has been trying to reach a diplomatic agreement with Tehran. This effort is linked to a diplomatic push to end the conflict initiated by Israel and the US on February 28.
The allegations regarding intelligence activities add a new source of pressure to relations between Washington and Tel Aviv, while also making the negotiation line on the Iran file more sensitive. If the claims are true, the issue is not only about security but also highlights the differences in strategic priorities between the two countries.
